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THE REWARD OF 
PATIENT LOVE 

AND 

FLOWERS FROM THE 
GARDEN OF THOUGHT 

BY 

Edward Everett Putnam 




1920 
THE STRATFORD COMPANY, Publishers 

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 






Copyright 1920 

The STRATFORD CO.. Publisher. 

Boston, Mass. 



The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 

OEC 20 1920 



"^■itf 



Do You Wish to Know Me? 

I AM a grandson of Gen. Wm. Putnam who, as a Whig, with 
other leaders made demand on the Canadian and British 
parliaments for a responsible form of government. 

The so-called demand and the clash that followed are 
known as the Canadian Rebellion of '37, 

The Whigs obtained that for which they took up arms, 
but certain leaders were marked. My grandfather was one of 
these and a price was set on his head. 

The result of the conflict was, that the Whigs were victors 
in defeat. They got what they demanded, as the price of peace, 
but the Tories remained in power. 

During the unsettled period, while amnesties were being 
arranged and settled, my grandfather remained in Detroit, 
Mich. He was, however, induced by a Tory, who had professed 
friendship, to believe that he might safely return to his family 
and property. 

He crossed into Canada at Detroit but had not gone far 
when he found himself surrounded by a large party, led by 
the Tory who persuaded him to cross. 

They captured only his body. He was buried where he 
fell, and near him were buried, his betrayer and six more of 
those who tried to take him. 

He left a family of seven children with their mother. 

His sons and two brothers continued in the lumber busi- 
ness organized by the family, and a community containing 

iii 



INTRODUCTION 

many Putnams was named Putnamville. This was my birth- 
place, 1863. 

Land was growing in value ; and as the larger trees were 
cut and sold the lumber business became less profitable. Several 
members of the family married ; family interests were divided, 
and other changes came about. 

During the 50 's three of the boys became excited by the 
stories of easy gold in California, put mortgages on their prop- 
erty, and went to see for themselves. They were disappointed, 
and after loss of time and money, returned and tried to take 
up their former mode of making a living. But, they were now 
burdened with a mortgage and another misfortune had over- 
taken them. While on their journey they had contracted a 
disease called roving-fever, which causes a spirit of unrest, a 
result of which was that, instead of settling down, they in- 
creased their debt and returned to California. 

During this second absence, a very important event in my 
life occurred, and my father, whose name was Herkimer W. 
Putnam, could have told his associates in California a story 
strange to relate, if not rightly received. The story as told by 
one man to another was, that he had a wife and five children 
in Canada and had never seen one of them. It was simply an 
example of punctuation and inflection. My birth occurred 
during his absence, and I was the one he had never seen. 

After a short stay in California my father returned to 
Canada to settle up his affairs, and to take his family with 
him. In this latter hope he failed on account of my mother *s 
death, which occurred when I was but 14 months old. 

So soon as he could make arrangements he started for 
California overland, taking me and my mother's sister with 
him. 

iv 



INTRODUCTION 

When I was about four years old, my father and two 
uncles went to a new gold camp, leaving me with my aunt in 
San Francisco. 

The aunt becoming tired of the lonely life among strangers, 
decided to return to Canada, which she did, taking me with her. 

If she left for my father any way of knowing what had 
become of us my father failed to find it, and more than six 
months had passed before he received word of assurance that 
we were safe. 

This might be called a case of kidnapping. Hence may I 
claim that I was kidnapped when I was 4 years old. 

From that date on I was everybody's boy and nobody's 
boy until I came in possession of myself when I was nineteen 
years old. 

It would be a crime of ingratitude for me to close this 
paragraph without saying that during these tender years, when 
the elements of character are being formed in the mind of the 
child, I was most fortunate in being among near relatives who 
gave me all the blessings of a home where the best social, moral, 
and Christian influences constantly surrounded me, and where 
Thrift, Energy, and Ambition were my constant companions. 

At the age of 19, I graduated, not from, but through the 
Collegiate Institute of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. I say 
that I graduated through it because I was not one of the stu- 
dents. Instead, I studied as I could, where I could, and when 
I could, and worked on a farm during busy seasons, and 
attended examiaations at which I obtained my first teacher's 
diploma. 

My experiences after that date all proved the truth of the 
saying that ^'Heaven helps those who help themselves." 

I also learned that the world helps those who help them- 



INTRODUCTION 

selves, for I was given and offered help and encouragement on 
all sides. 

I am now a gray-haired man and have filled many posi- 
tions, in every case remaining as long as I wished to remain, 
and each and every position was offered to me, and many more 
that I could not accept. 

I have a right to think that the world loves me, and I know 
that I love the world because it has been good to me, not so much 
in measure or quantity, but in quality. I am emotional, and 
sympathetic, and find such enjoj^ment in the pretty things of 
life that I think I have shed more tears of joy than of grief. 
I know the world is friendly, because I have learned that I can- 
not count my friends and do not know how to estimate them. 

Since my 20th birthday I have taught school seven years, 
I have been accountant seven years for others, I have kept my 
own books twenty-two years, I have been a merchant twenty- 
two years and have been postmaster twenty-two years and 
notary public six. 

The sum of all these periods of service would make it 
appear that I am a very old man, or raise a question regarding 
veracity. I might have added that I have occupied the position 
of husband twenty-five years. Just think of it, twenty-five 
years the servant of one woman. 

The fact is that I am fifty-four years young, and that all 
my life I have been doing as many things as I could do and 
do them well. 

Does anybody still wish to ask regarding my literary 
career? Let me answer that writing has been my chief occupa- 
tion, a life time. 

But, in sincerity let me answer also, that if the little book 
I am now offering to the world and its readers should prove 

vi 



INTRODUCTION 

a success to the extent of winning' their approval and apprecia- 
tion it will be my boast and pride during the rest of my life, 
that my first offering was accepted. 

Does anyone ask why I should expect or hope that my 
initial offering should be accepted ? Let me answer, that I make 
no claims; that I have no record upon which to stand or fall. 

My thoughts come to me ; they are my own, I do not gather 
them. 

I have tried to express those thoughts as they came to me 
in words intended to convey the meaning I have wished to 
express. 

Am I presuming if I say I hope that many will like my 
thoughts, and that none will be so critical of the manner of 
expressing them as to destroy their intended effect. 

If any like my thoughts and words, we are congenial 
friends. 

If any do not like my thoughts or my manner of expressing 
them, we are not enemies; I love people who have opinions of 
their own. 

EDWARD EVERETT PUTNAM. 



Vll 



Preface 

THIS little book is dedicated to all readers who love home 
and all its sacred ties ; who reverence the exalted position of 
father and mother, ascribing to them the inalienable right to 
govern the home by authority, love, precept and example; to 
all readers whose eyes are open to see and admire the beauties 
of the social, moral, and material world, and whose faculties 
are trained to enjoy all that is fragrant, melodious, and harmo- 
nious. 

Such readers are asked to note that this is a story without 
a monster or a villain, and that it does not contain an inference 
or a suggestion of anything sordid or impure. It is the author's 
assumption that if a child be reared and surrounded in a pure 
atmosphere it does not need to know the foul stench of places 
and conditions into which it should not go. 

The process and progress of building the characters of the 
people presented in this little book developed in the author's 
mind the wish and purpose of writing and presenting a book 
without a moral taint; a book that would be a suitable com- 
panion for young people who have reached the age to know 
of the little jealousies and misunderstandings that are so active 
in social relations, and cause such perplexities to those who 
are trying to choose life companions, and which caused a 
writer to utter the oft-reapeated words, **The course of true 
love never did run smooth." 

It has been the author '^ aim to present a book that would 
be suitable for every home and for every public library, and 

ix 



PREFACE 

one that would be desirable to all who do not spurn fiction as 
the work of idle hands. 

Explanation (or apolog}^ if asked) is made relative to the 
poem on page ( ). It fell into the author's hands anony- 
mously. It was found among a deceased brother's correspond- 
ence without name or other identifying circumstances. The 
author begs leave to pay it the compliment of presenting it, 
not as his own but with his own for preservation. 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 



The Reward of Patient Love 

Savoy Hotel, Denver, Colo., July 1, 19. 



My Dear Mother: — 

Having arrived in the first stopping-place on my journey 
I feel it my first duty to write to you and let you know that I am 
safe and well. 

I am sure I would make a poor attempt at describing 
the country and places I have passed through in coming here 
because my thoughts were so engrossed that several times I 
was awakened to consciousness that I was on a train that was 
carrying me swiftly away from everybody and everything dear to 
me. I could not fail, however, to note the changes in conditions, 
scenery and climate when our train brought us from the plains 
into the mountains. 

While traveling in the open country the farther one could 
see only revealed more of the same thing, but in the mountains 
as the train follows its course, here creeping under some over- 
hanging bluff as if influenced by the fear that a jar might 
cause it to fall; there jumping a deep gap by crossing a frail- 
looking bridge or diving into a mountain as into a snowbank 
and coming out on the other side, sometimes through long 
snow-sheds, and sometimes into deep wooded valleys, one 
could not fail, excepting during sleep, to be in a state of sus- 
pense and expectation, and one's memory would long after- 
ward recall sights that caused suspended breath and open-eyed 
astonishment at what the hand of man has done. 

I will leave descriptions of what I have seen and what I 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

will later see for future entertainment when I am again among 
my friends and dear ones. 

Wliile you fully understand the cause, of my journey, I fear 
that I may have failed to explain how my absence would be 
better than my presence, and why I chose to be absent at such 
a time. 

I will not attempt to explain fully, but will let it suffice 
to say that I think many annoying embarrassments may be 
avoided and as nothing has been said to those who do not 
need to know, it is m}^ hope that the blunders or errors that 
have caused a misunderstanding will all be explained during 
my absence, and that when I return and all appearances are 
again as they were in the past, and all hopes of the future as 
bright, few will know, and others will not need to know, of the 
trying situation through which we will have passed. 

I did not have an opportunity before starting, to fully 
explain to Cousin Nell what I have laid out as her task. I wish 
you would give her this letter and at the same time tell her 
that I depend upon her more than upon all others to learn why I 
am thus an exile. 

I was not ordered to go so far, nor to any particular desti- 
nation, therefore I am traveling for the realization of a hope. 
That hope is that Nell through tact, adroitness and discre- 
tion will accomplish alone more than if assisted. This hope 
is founded on the belief that through her past associations 
Nell will be able to get a hearing where I would expect refusal. 

A second refusal would not surprise as did the first one, but 
just at the present time I do not wish to run the risk of an- 
other. 

If Nell requires any explanations she can get them by an 
exchange of letters. In short, I am asking her to correspond 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

with me regularly in order that she may tell me of her success 
and progress. 

My pen will be a most willing assistant at this end, and 
if I can add interest by adding a few pages of descriptive 
matter I am sure I would enjoy the mental and physical 
exercise. 

With you and Nell as my advocates I have no misgivings 
about my choice, and very little, about the ending. 

Do not allow yourself to worry about me or my troubles, 
for I shall not fail to make my trip well worth my time and 
expense. 

I believe I have succeeded in denying every expression of 
resentful pride, and until I can accuse some person of making 
false charges I shall not entertain a feeling of anger toward 
anybody. 

Not vengeance, but vindication should be mine. 

Express my greeting to all inquiring friends and accept 
for yourself a son's devotion, 

JOHN ALLENBY. 
To Mrs. Sarah AUenby, Pontiac, HI. 



Pontiac, Hlinois, July 10, 19 

My Dear Cousin: — 

When your mother gave me your letter to her to read and 
at the same time joined her wish to your expressed and written 
wish that I should use every means available to me to learn 
why you were so peremptorily dismissed, I was so glad and 
happy that I do not know just what I did or what I said, but 
I do know that I cried before I could express my joy in being 

[31 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

asked to do what my heart would impel me to do thru the 
love I have for those concerned. 

During the day of your departure I was guilty of some 
very inconsistent and ugly conduct. I marched up and down 
my own room, where nobody could see or hear me, and stormed 
and railed at you and asked you what had become of your 
spunk and pride that you could allow yourself to be treated 
so. I said aloud that the whole community knew that you were 
worthy of a dozen like her. (Just as if a man might have 
more than one wife in order to equalize). I said that you 
might at least have defended your pride ; that you could easily 
have made the community think you were glad to be rid of her 
by cutting high sail with other girls, so many of whom would 
be only too glad to go with you. And then the ugly thought 
entered my head, that your conduct was enough to provoke 
slander and scandal, if anybody knew that you were leaving 
on her account. I became so wrought up that I felt like pulling 
hair, and I even stood before my mirror and studied and 
practised a cruel icy stare that I intended to use on her the 
first time I met her in public. 

The fury was spent. As most women do I broke down and 
cried until my eyes were swollen and red, after which I began 
to reflect quietly and when I thought that of all the girls I 
have ever known she is the sweetest, dearest, kindest and 
truest of them all, anger was all gone and an emotion that I 
could not express in words, caused me to bury my face in my 
pillow and weep as I had never wept before. 

When mother called me for supper I told her that I did 
not wish for any, and without lighting my lamp I retired for 
the night. 

[4] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Dreams are sometimes cruel, sometimes sweet. I dreamed 
of fire and a wind that threatened to scatter it in all directions; 
I dreamed of sleet and rain, and of mud and flood until the 
earth was so dreary and desolate that I thought no person or 
creature would wish to remain in it. Again the fury was spent, 
and I dreamed of sunshine and flowers and of rippling water 
that threw clusters of diamonds into the air. And so my 
sweet dream ran on until I dreamed that my ugly dreams and 
the cause of my ugly dreams were only dreams and I was so 
happy. And then I dreamed that I saw you and the dearest 
girl I have ever known out riding. I thought I had never seen 
her so pretty or you so proud and happy. 

I do not try to interpret dreams. They have no meaning 
to me, I believe that dreams are only the result of the action 
of the sub-conscious mind, and that action of the sub-conscious 
mind is affected and influenced by our mental and physical 
condition at the time. 

We know that we do not see in dreams by the natural 
organ of sight because our eyes are closed and the light shut 
out, and we know vision results from the action of light and 
the combined rays of light upon the optic nerves. I do, how- 
ever, draw a good strong lesson from my day's and night's 
experience. I am sorely ashamed of having harbored such ugly 
thoughts and of all owing, my self to become so disturbed and 
angry, and I think that my ugly dreams were but slight 
punishment for my offense. I am glad that my better, weaker 
self came to my rescue and told me that I must not allow my 
anger or pride, or any other person's anger or pride to cause 
me to sacrifice jewels and gems of proven virtue. 

I am truly grateful for the tears that were given me to 
shed and think that my sweet dream was a part of my reward. 

[s] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I am proud of you that you could be so deliberate and con- 
siderate and did not do what I would probably would have done 
through impetuous anger; but, whether you did the best thing 
that might have been done must be decided upon last results. . . . 

Has it not occurred to you that probably during days or 
weeks before your last meeting she had been suffering intensely 
and hiding her feelings, and that some little word or act that she 
misconstrued was just that much more than she thought she 
should bear ? 

If her decision was intended to be final and was not made 
because of some misunderstanding of you or your conduct, there 
was no reason for your going away ; but, if something that you 
did or did not do was the cause of her decision I think 3^ ou should 
not have gone. 

If your conduct was the cause of her decision, you were 
innocently the cause which fact must be proved to her, and that 
precious moment may come and pass during your absence, when 
you might by a word or look dedicate all your future years to her 
happiness and to your own. 

My most delicate and difficult task will be to decide upon 
the right course to follow, and what assistance, if any, to use. 

But for her emotion and tears I would include the theory for 
consideration that she possibly had. reasons and intentions in 
other directions; but we know we have narrow grounds upon 
which to work along that line. And, furthermore, we know we 
have no reason to w^ork on any theory of concealments. 

Knowing her as I do, I must protect my pride against my 
possibility of my being told that my good intentions are mis- 
placed. In line with that policy I shall respect the widest hori- 
zon before I make any moves. ^ 

[6] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I am so proud and happy over your choice in making 
me your main correspondent that I have my books out and am 
studying big words and am trying to form long and high- 
sounding phrases. 

Ex — I am congratulating my diminutive personality that you 
through your superlative perspicacity have elected your 
propinquitous associate as your home secretary to offi- 
ciate during the period of your perambulations through 
the mountainous portion of the western hemisphere. 

How is that for a beginning ? 

My breath is too short to read such sentences so, if you will 
kindly give your consent I will go back to the use of farm latin 
which I much prefer to use during our correspondence. 

I am not joking tho when I say that I know I shall derive 
great pleasure and valuable thought-inspiring practice with 
you and your cause as my inspiration. 

Your mother asks me to tell you that if I will promise to 
keep her informed concerning you she will not try to write and 
will not expect letters. I make the promise. 

We are all getting along much better than we thought pos- 
sible without you, therefore you have no cause to worry about 
matters at home. 

You have your troubles all with you and my advice is that 
you shall lay them down and forget them just as often as possible, 
but you must not forget to write. 

Remember we will not expect a letter but will wish for one 
every time the mail comes in, and that we will hope to have 
reasons for needing to know where you are and how to reach 
you quickly. 

[7] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I have been tn^ing for some minutes to think of an appropri- 
ate ending to this epistle but have failed. I find that I must just 
simply chop off and close with most earnest good wishes and love 
from all. 

Your cousin, 

Nell Hales. 
To John Allenby, Savoy Hotel, Denver, Colo. 



St. Charles Hotel, 

Denver, Colorado, 

Sept. 15. 

Miss Nell Hales, 

Pontiac, 111. 
My Dear Cousin: — 

The truant was overtaken by your letter at the place and 
date shoTNTi, and just as he was in the right mood to receive it. 

I was thinking how really tired I was of all I had found in 
the sense of entertainment, and thinking how welcome a letter 
from home would be, when the postman came in. 

The following lines pretty well express the thoughts that 
Avere running through my mind: 

When one tires of the journey and tires of the sights. 

And welcomes the hours when the night-shades come, 
When one tires of the faces and tires of the lights, 

What a welcome guest is a letter from home. 
A letter from home ; what a joy it brings ; 

A letter from home; what a need it supplies; 
A letter from home; where the memory clings; 

A letter from home with its thousand ties. 

[8] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Though yoTi chide me severely in much that you say, 
There 's a message of love in each added line. 

I shall read and reread it each night and each day, 
In hope of response in this sad heart of mine. 

''Go" — was the mandate she addressed to me; 
''May your shadow and form to my thoughts ne'er return. 

Return my letters and pronounce me free." 

Were the flaming words that will not cease to burn. 

And those tears of anger, or tears of pain. 

That gushed from their founts as those words were said. 
Have marred a sv/eet face with a lasting stain. 

That haunts me wherever my pillow is laid. 
When an accuser will name on cause to complain, 
When the accused is given no chance to explain, 
When an unspoken plea by a gesture is hushed. 
When one's hope and pride are rebuked and crushed, 
Then how but in flight can one find rest or peace ? 
And, how but in flight can one 's agony cease ? 

Then do not chide me, my dear Little Nell, 

If I choose among strangers for a time to dwell : 

Tell Mother to cheer her, I am well and at ease. 

Lest she fear for my safety, or mourn that I stay, 

And that new scenes and faces offer much to please. 

As I move among them from day to day. 

The sun is not dimmed by the clouds that conceal it. 

Love lives in the pride that will not reveal it. 

And I know that the cloud that is lowering to-day 

By light and by love shall be driven away. 

[9] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

It is the usual hour for prayer, and I am praying that you, 
my dear cousin, may be able to do me a great favor by discov- 
ering for me, the first rays of hope of the returning sunshine of 
my life. 

In your womanly sympathy and knowledge you will be able 
to feel and interpret the unspoken emotions of her, who has 
been so much to both of us. 

Out of the fullness of the heart there must be utterance and 
you will understand. 

Having read your letter through carefully I am glad to say 
that I found nothing surprising or disappointing in it. You 
have acted out your own natural self all the way through, and as 
your better self always comes to your rescue I have no fear that 
you will do rash things that will spoil the effect of j^our efforts. 

Your little monologue in your room was doing no harm 
while it lasted and its climax brought you to a position where 
you could look both ways and choose the better THE MORAL 
IS INSPIRING. 

I, on the other hand, decided upon the plan upon which I 
am acting very quickly but whether rashly or not we may learn 
later. There were reasons for, and others against, either course. 

A course of tantalizing bravado precludes all hope of a re- 
conciliation and if she should think that I am acting upon some 
decision previously made, and am only following out a plan 
without offering an expression of regret about being absent she 
may think me very unfeeling and indifferent about what has 
happened. The effect of such a thought would be very hard to 
overcome, while, if her thought about my absence is that I am 
deeply hurt and am absent for that reason, her sympathy will 
plead my cause. 

A case that happened within my knowledge and under my 

[10] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

observation has been much in my mind recently and is supplying 
me with serious thoughts. Not all the sad stories have been told 
^n books. 

A lady who had worn a young man's ring several months, 
failing to satisfy her own mind that he was as deeply interested 
as she wished him to be, decided that in some manner she would 
cause him to be more expressive. 

Having in her own mind strong ideas regarding the obli- 
gations represented by the ring she believed that the test must 
come up directly between themselves, and in line with that 
thought, she decided that she would return his ring and tell 
him that it was for reasons of her own, and which he must not 
ask her to explain unless she offered an explanation. . . . 

She set a date when she thought she would pass the evening 
alone with him, and when they were conversing quietly she 
handed the ring to him saying ''Will, for reasons of my own 
and which you must not ask to know, I have made up my mind 
that I have no right to wear the ring until those reasons are 
removed. ' ' 

Will took the ring and holding it up betweeen them said: 
' ' This is your decision and it is intended to be final ? ' ' 

Just at that moment and before she could speak or study the 
effect of her act a sleigh filled with young people was driven up 
and during the rest of the evening there was no chance for either 
to say a word. 

Many games were played, corn was popped, and nuts and 
jokes were checked till laughter filled the room and all the time 
Will was the life and spirit of the gathering to such a degree 
that one of the ladies asked why he was in such unusual spirits. 

Two of the young ladies remained to visit, and the ring was 
still in Will's pocket when the whistle of a train warned him 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

that he must run to catch it, failing which he would have a long 
walk through deep snow. 

Two days later he took a train and was absent several 
months. He thought he had been dismissed. She thought he 
was delighted to go. And with that feeling in their hearts they 
drifted apart, each believing it better so. 

Her future was no longer a part of his plans, hence they 
very seldom met and when they did both were formal and neither 
would refer to the past. 

It was not in her heart to be willing to wrong anybody and 
she always felt guilty under the fear that he might think she 
accused him of some offense or misconduct; but even with that 
thought in mind she believed it would have been a greater wrong 
to hold him if he wished to be free. Unwilling, self- 
imposed, cruel silence. 

Four years later, when circumstances had built up barriers 
that could not well be removed, they met under conditions that 
called up the past in many ways and made it as a subject hard 
to evade. 

Their conversation followed in circles that often crossed the 
course of their own lives and each became more serious. 

In a moment of weakness or resolve she said, ''Will, if I ever 
wrong anybody or put myself in a wrong position, I can never 
be quite happy until I ask and have forgiveness. Knowing as 
I do that it was I who by my own act divided our lives at the 
point where they were divided, I know it is my duty to speak first 
if silence is ever to be broken. 

"Oh, how I have longed to reach your heart with the assur- 
ance that I had no cause for giving you back your ring more than 
the fear that you did not love me as I wished to be loved by the 
man whose ring I wore. 

[12] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

''Cruel silence was forced upon me then and ever since by 
your smiles and laughter and your unusual gleeful mood during 
the evening of that never-to-be-forgotten day when you made me 
feel that I had made you immeasurably happy by setting you 
free. 

''My work could not be undone and I could not and would 
not take that happiness away from you. If you wished to be 
free I could not regret what I had done ; but, how I have wished 
you to know that you were not wrongfully accused, and have 
wished for forgiveness if I have wronged you in any other man- 
ner. ' ' 

By the time she had finished this suppliant confession, Will 
had gathered both her hands in his left and with his right he 
gently drew her head to his shoulder so that she could not see the 
tears he was trying to hide. 

With faltering voice he said, ' ' Oh, My God, Why was it not 
given to the children of men to commune heart to heart and not 
have to depend upon cruel tricky words that convey so many 
unintended meanings? : — 

' ' There can be no forgiveness when the heart has not sinned. 
Pardon is given to those who have been convicted. 

' ' I was the sinner : I put lying laughter into my voice and by 
every energy I could control I acted a lasting lie during the 
whole evening trying to deceive you and all the others into 
thinking I was spending the happiest hour of my life, when, in 
fact, I was in the wickedest mood of my life trying to deceive 
myself in order to deceive you. 

"It is I who should ask forgiveness which I do with all my 
heart. 

"If you will give me one of the thousand kisses that should 

[13] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

have been mine and tell me that I am forgiven I will be happier 
than I have ever been since that deplorable night." 

That meeting with the understanding that was renewed, and 
with the assurances that were given to each other became one of 
the most sweetly sad remembrances of their lives. 

I do not wish to act a part in any such sad story, and have 
been very careful not to do anything intentionally that I will 
regret. 

I have no thought that I shall have any forgiveness to oflPer. 
... To err is human and what one does thru error is excused, not 
forgiven. How well do T know that when all is understood she 
will be justified and excused, not pardoned. 

Your interest in your calling and election assures the ef- 
fectiveness of your efforts, which must be rewarded. 

I very much prefer your good old farm latin to all the fancy 
stuff you could assemble; besides, I must ask you to remember 
that I have not with me even a pocket edition of Webster. Were 
you to construct some sentences I could not work out I might 
become confused and bring on bad results. 

I promise to make regular and prompt replies to all your 
letters which will put half the responsibility on you. 

WTiether or not I will visit John Smith's big family in the 
next neighboring state where a man either divides his worries 
among several women or multiplies them over several women 
I will be able to say in my next. 

I have not given the subject much thought, but my own 
perplexities lead me to ask how a poor man could survive having 
several women to worry over, if his worries over one are enough 
to turn his hair gray in a few days. 

You will please forestall any thought that I am a fugitive 
by extending my greetings to those you know to be my friends, 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

and for yourself and Aunt Sarah you will accept the love that 
I am ever ready to prove. 

Your cousin, 

John AUenby. 
To Miss Nell Hales, Pontiac, 111. 



Pontiac, 111. 

September 

Dear Cousin : — 

Your letter was duly received, but not as a surprise. It could 
not arrive earlier than it was looked for. I shall not disappoint 
you by a long delay, as I wish to keep you in my debt. 

I have not your happy and poetic faculty of expressing my 
thoughts, but, I have the perseverance to make a worthy effort. 
Not much evidence has come to light relative to the subject of 
most interest to you. 

The straws that tell which way the wind is blowing, have not 
been moving much and I have not been able to note direction. 

I have been trying to discover whether or not there was a 
combination of circumstances that you and your conduct have 
in no manner caused, and, over which you could have no influence. 

I have concluded that there is nothing to support any such 
thought or fear. 

Though I have seen Mary on several occasions I have had no 
chance to converse with her on any subject. 

It is evident that she has been deceived either by circum- 
stances that she did not understand, or by something that has 
been told to her. And it is also evident that she regards me with 
a suspecting belief that my sympathies are with you and against 
her. 

[15] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I shall try to avoid giving her any support to that thought. 

On the day your letter arrived I was sitting in the garden 
when I saw Mary 's car approaching, and I observed that she was 
watching the house intently, but as soon as she discovered my 
presence, she assumed an erect position and continued to look in 
another direction, so long as I could see her, (That's a woman 
for you). 

On another occasion I observed that she was studying my 
face in church, but when I raised my eyes to give her a look of 
encouragement, she dropped her gaze and did not try to meet 
me after services. 

I asked her brother Willie, what she was so busy doing those 
days. 

His reply was that she was not doing much but reading and 
singing. 

I asked him what she sang mostly. 

He said she sang ' ' The Land of Love 's Fair Dream, " ' * Far 
Away, ' ' and other sad songs. 

The first of these songs named is the newest song out, and 
Mary generally is first to get the newest song. 

The words are: 

There's a land where the sunshine dwells on the hills; 

Where the valleys are shaded and cool ; 
Where elixirs flow in the streamlets and rills. 

And clear skies reflect in each pool ; 
Where the breezes are scented with rich perfume, 

From roses that never decay; 
Where song-birds are boasting their brilliant plumes, 

And night is as fair as the day. 

[i6] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 
CHORUS 

It is Dream Land, it is Dream Land ; 

Where only true lovers dwell. 
It is Dream Land, it is Dream Land, 

Of which only fairies tell, 
Where storms never beat on the golden strand. 

And clouds never shadow the smiling land, 
And ever is ready the welcoming hand, 

In the land of love's fair dream. 

Where the tide that goes out from the wave-washed strand, 

Never bears a true lover away ; 
Where the tide that returns to the sun-warmed sand. 

Brings only new blessings each day ; 
Where night never comes with a chill of regret, 

For harsh words or angry frown, 
And love never bids one forgive or forget 

A rash deed ere the sun goes down. 

Returning to our subject I wish to add that I think Mary's 
choice of songs is an evidence of sadness, and that sadness de- 
notes the absence of anger. 

My observations so far lead me to think that she is beginning 
to doubt her justification in doing as she did. 

You may trust me in my sincere wish to know the truth, to 
make a worthy effort, and at least prove that you were not in 
fault in any respect. 

We had a delightful little sociable at our home last week. 

You were greatly missed, and your absence meant two 
from our usual number. 

[17] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

No one was so indiscreet as to ask questions but I caught 
several expressions that were almost audible. 

If I could delay your going by being negligent in answering 
your letters I would be tempted to do so. It is not a nice feeling 
that comes with the thought that you are still going and already 
so far away. If I could cause you to drop anchor at a nearer 
port, you would not be so long in coming when you start home- 
ward. I think I can predict that you will complain of both dis- 
tance and time when your reasons for turning homeward shall 
have matured. 

I became so interested in your little story of Will and the 
girl whose name you did not give that they will become living 
characters in the story we are trying to follow to a happy ending. 

Their conduct on both sides was true to human nature all 
the way thru, it being evident that the thought that she might 
never have a chance to tell him that she was only joking, or of 
singing to him the song, ''I Was Only Teasing You", was 
farthest out of her thoughts. Her plan contemplated having 
the whole evening to carry it through, and if she saw that the 
effect was too strong, or in the wrong direction, she had an anti- 
dote already at hand with which to stop its bad effects and to 
prevent unsatisfactory results. 

On his side, how could he know that the purpose of her act 
was directly opposed to the meaning of her words and conduct? 

Was he not justified in trying to make her think that he had 
too much fortitude to be seriously hurt by dismissal when he had 
every right to say that if she did not want him he could not see 
why he should want her? 

With all its naturalness the story is very sad and proves that 
destinies are changed by very small events; and being one of 
thousands of true stories, it also proves that if the writers of 

[i8] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

romance could only read the hearts of men and women and write 
their lives in true accounts, fiction would not find much room on 
the book-shelf. 

If people had the gift even of aftersight to the extent of 
being able to see how much had been lost by some misstep of the 
past, or know what disasters had been averted by correct steps, 
how much more serious and thoughtful they would be. 

The story has had its effect on me and Nell Hales will not 
hand back any ring until she knows that she does not want it 
returned to her. 

If I make my letter too long too much of your time will be 
taken up in answering it. I want more of your own thoughts, 
not echoes of mine. 

The clock struck eleven which counts out. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11, 
Closing-ti me. 

Your cousin, 

Nell Hales. 
To John Allenby, Savoy Hotel, Denver, Colo. 



Palace Hotel, 

San Francisco, Cal. 
My Dear Little Cousin : — 

It seems like a waste of time and ink to say that I appreci- 
ate your letters. I cannot overestimate their value and service 
at this time. I feel that they, more than any other influence, 
keep me in temperate frame of mind. 

You very modestly say that you have not the faculty of 
expressing your thoughts poetically. 

[19] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

That only signifies that you do not attempt to write in 
rhyme and meter, though you possess the real poetry of thought. 
The manner of expressing one 's thoughts is not essential. 

If time were not hanging so heavily on my hands, I perhaps 
would not give so much time and thought to much that interests 
me now. Having no companions in whom I am interested I 
commune more with my own thoughts, and fancy I find sympathy 
and consolation in poetry and song that seem to give voice to ray 
feelings. I find, too, that one's faculties of seeing, hearing, and 
enjoying are more alert along lines of interest. I was strongly 
impressed with this fact since I have been in San Francisco. 

One evening I was sitting in the open window of ray room, 
when the soft tones of a guitar seemed to ask for perfect silence. 

The prelude of a song sounded out in clear sweet tones, to 
which was joined a woman's voice so divinely sweet that if the 
angels love music and the voice of human being ever reaches their 
abode, I am sure they would stop to listen. 

I was spell-bound and listened intently, and soon learned 
that though my feelings and emotions seemed to respond to every 
emotion of the singer, I could not understand one word that was 
uttered : — It was poetry of sound and emotion. 

The song was finished, and I was glad the singer did not at 
that time break the charm by singing another song of another 
theme. 

I learned by inquiry regarding the wonderful singer, that 
she was a Spanish-American woman whose husband had been 
lost at sea, and as neither he nor his ship was ever reported to 
have been seen, she lived in the despairing hope that he might 
still be living. 

She sang in the Spanish language which accounted for my 
not knowing the words. 

[20] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Her song impressed me so deeply that I felt that I could 
almost divine the sentiment, which was expressed in the language 
of the heart. 

I did not miss the first opportunity of meeting her, and used 
it by asking her to write the song for me in Spanish. 

I later had a man who speaks Spanish translate it into 
English, literally, and later, to collect and engage my wondering 
thoughts, I resolved the Spanish song into English Verse. 

I am sending you the words to repay you for the song you 
sent me. "In the Land of Loves Fair Dream" is all right as a 
song, but its sentiments as expressed do not agree with mine. 

The words however are literally true, for, only in irrational 
fancy or in dreams could such a perfect dwelling-place be con- 
ceived for either man or woman. The same words impute to 
many lovers the fault of being untrue, and of doing and saying 
unkind things. 

I am glad I can comprehend the broader view of the condi- 
tions that surround us in life, and can see a purpose and benefit 
in many things that some regard as the cause of trials and mis- 
fortune. 

The rain is quite as essential as the sunshine, to freshen 
and beautify the world. Whence does it come ? It comes from 
the cloud, and the poor old cloud is chosen the emblem of sor- 
row and all other afflictions. 

Some comfort could be found by me in the thought that 
Mary finds that the new song suits her purpose to express her 
thoughts. I wish to know that she accuses me of being or doing 
that for which she deems banishment a just punishment. I could 
then know that when she shall learn the truth as she must, no 
messenger could be swift enough to recall me so soon as she 

[21] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

would have me return for the apology that only tears of contrition 
could express. 

Within the coming week I shall go to Los Angeles and to 
Long Beach, and there wait for your next letter. If in it I find 
so much to give me hope as I found in your last, I may swerve to 
the left in the hope of finding a shorter road home than by re- 
tracing my course. 

This letter contains too much theme and not much news. I 
promise to do better in my next attempt. 

With the usual request for a prompt reply, I close with 
kind regards to all inquiring friends and with a brother 's love to 
you. 

Your cousin, 

John Allenby. 

SONG 
SAILING, SAILING BACK TO ME 

My loved one sailed out on the briny sea, 

With a cargo of fruit and golden grain; 
He told me his thoughts would all be of me, 

By night and by day till he came again. 
I stood on the shore as he sailed away, 

The ship grew less and the sea rose between; 
I prayed that fair winds would hasten the day 

When he would return and his ship be seen 
Sailing, sailing, sailing over the rolling sea, 

Sailing, sailing, sailing, sailing back to me. 

His ship was staunch and his proud heart was brave; 

The worst to be feared was a calm at sea, 
When with idle sails on a sleeping wave, 

[22] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

He could neither go nor return to me. 
But my heart was oppressed by sterner fears 

As I turned each day from that lonely shore ; 
In vain I tried to suppress scalding tears, 

When my heart divined he would come no more. 
Sailing, sailing, sailing over the rolling sea, 

Sailing, sailing, sailing, sailing back to me. 

I ask of the waves that dash on the sands ; 

I plead of the stars that watch in the sky, 
I beg the sun that looks down on all lands, 

I pray of the winds that plaintively sigh. 
To bring me some word from some distant shore. 

From some isle or refuge over the sea, 
Of a rudderless ship that the waves safely bore 

To a friendly land whence he'll come back to me, 
Sailing, sailing, sailing over the rolling sea, 

Sailing, sailing, sailing, sailing back to me. 

The waves softly answer, We do not know, 

The silent stars only vacantly stare, 
The sun keeps no record of human woe, 

The sad winds find sorrow everywhere. 
Is it only a phantom ship I can see 

As I gaze far out from that long- watched shore, 
A ship that is drifting away from me. 

My lover's ship that will come no more ? 

Drifting, drifting, drifting over the rolling sea 
Drifting, drifting, drifting, drifting away from me. 

To Nell Hales, Pontiac, 111. 

[23] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Pontiac, 

Illinois. 
My Dear Cousin John : — 

I do not find myself disposed to complain of the quantity of 
your welcome letter but I am hoping for an improvement in tone. 
There are so many old-fashioned chestnuts that fit this case, and 
they all prove ''That the course of true love never did run 
smooth". 

Having decided to do as you did it is your own affair, but I 
am sorry you so decided. 

If you could have made j^our trip one of business and of 
pleasure it would have been well worth the price in time and 
money. 

You have taken your trouble with you to too great an extent, 
whereas you should have left it behind you. 

If you are traveling for your own benefit, my advice is that 
you shall seek every amusement, and pleasure that will avert 
your thoughts from your troubles. But, if you are traveling 
for the benefit of another, and to show that you felt too badly to 
remain here, you have made the right move, but only in the event 
that **A11 is well that ends well" and ends as you hope, 

* * He who fights and runs away 
May live to fight another day" 
He who loves and quits the field, 
May all his hopes to another yield. 

Your purpose in going has not been announced, not even to 
Mary, and those concerned may draw their own conclusions. I 
am too truthful to say that you went for business and pleasure, 

[24] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

and I am too proud of my cousin to admit that you were 
banished. 

There are many sad chapters in life's history because the 
purpose or cause of absence was not understood. If I were not 
here and in good position to learn all that you could learn, and 
probably more, I would advise you that your absence might 
blight your hope. The verse fits in this connection also. 

The words of the song you sent are very sad. I can fancy 
the effect of hearing such a song sung by a good singer, and one 
who was telling or singing the story of her own grief. 

You did not tell me whether she composed the song or 
selected it, as appropriate. 

I can believe it quite probable that you could wish that your 
continued absence would cause grief, but I must ask you to note 
that the song does not describe unnecessary absence. 

It is the prettiest thought in the song, that nothing but death 
or a broken rudder, or conditions over which he could have no 
control, could prevent his return, there was no wavering of faith 
and trust. The thought that he might have chosen to be absent 
was inconceivable to her. 

Just to show me that you are your own natural self I wish 
you would relate something that will show that you can still 
find interest and pleasure in cheerful subjects. 

I must not forget to write you about the party at the home 
of the Andersons. 

It was given just as a little pleasure party to please the 
young people. 

Nearly all of our usual number were present, and seemed to 
enjoy the usual round of amusements and the delightful refresh- 
ments that Mrs. Anderson so well knows how to serve. 

[25] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Mary was present and took part in all but the dancing. 

Her father brought her early in the evening, and came for 
her about 11 P. M. We all objected to her going before the party 
broke up, and James Anderson begged to be allowed to take 
her home in his new car, against which she gave emphatic decision. 

I noticed that she was interested to hear my reply when Miss 
Raymond asked where you were and when you would return. 

I told her that you were somewhere in California, and that 
I did not know your plans for the future. 

Mary came to me in a friendly manner, probably to show 
that she wished to be friendly with me, and opened several sub- 
jects of conversation. She asked regarding your health, and if 
you were having a nice time on your trip. She said she wished 
she could go on just such a trip and go alone. 

I have observed that she does not receive men as single 
guests, and that she will not accept an escort on any occasion. I 
think I must, with your consent, let her know that you think you 
were not given the usual form of trial before penalty was im- 
posed. It would not be difficult to introduce the subject in such a 
manner that she would think it inadvertently done. 

If she will use the opportunity, or opening, to give me a 
chance to say more, a great advance will have been made. 

Now I do not propose to be Judge, advocate and jury all at 
the same time, and if an order is given to bring in the defendant 
I do not wish it to be announced that he has jumped his bonds. 

He must be available. . . . 

If you were here- I would sing you a nice little good-night 
song which I have recently learned If you wish me to send you 
the words I will send them in my next letter I shall have them 
written by that time. 

[26] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Am closing this letter just in time for the outgoing mail, — 
the last to-day. 

Please excuse an abrupt ending. 

Your consin. 
Nell. 

To : John Allenby, Alexandria Hotel, Los Angeles, Cal. 

Hallo. Cousin John. 

I missed the mail carrier, so did not get my letter off, and 
have decided to write the words of ''A Cheerful Good Night." 

A CHEERFUL GOOD NIGHT 

The day may be dreary and long, 

The way may be rugged and steep, 

The winds may be adverse and strong, 

The sands may be burning and deep, 

As daylight fades and long shadows fall, 

Ajid deep shades of night settle over all. 

How blessed the lot of all who can say 

A cheerful good night at the close of each day. 

CHORUS 

A cheerful good night, let us hear it again 
'Till it rings in the ear with its glad refrain; 
It sweetens the slumber, and shortens the day, 
And brightens life's journey all the way. 

Mother is tried by many ills, 
By wilful wont's and wilful wills. 
Her ear must bend to each complaint, 

[27] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Her voice must rise in mild restraint ; 

When prattle has ceased, and prayers are all said 

And each little head is laid in its bed, 

Who like a mother can caressingly say 

A cheering good night at the close of each day. 

CHORUS 

Joy sometimes mingles smiles and tears. 

Love has its hours of doubts and fears, 

Peace is the calm that follows strife, 

Hope is the balm that softens life ; 

When all doubts vanish and all tears are shed, 

Fear but a fancy, smiles beaming instead. 

How lasting the peace of those who can say 

A cheering good night at the close of each day. 

CHORUS 



Alexandria Hotel, 
Los Angeles, Cal. 



My Dear Cousin : — 

How is my attorney to-night? 

I must open my letter with congratulations for your pro- 
gress in laying plans I shall surely learn of good results soon. 
But, I shall not allow myself to be oversanguine until you relate 
something to show that you are being rewarded for your efforts. 

You know what Poet Burns said about well laid plans. 

Your letter caught me in an appreciative mood. I had been 

[28] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

well entertained during the afternoon by a casual acquaintance 
who took me for a long ride into the country. 

We rode through vineyards and orchards, through valleys 
and over mountains, across a small desert, and on our return, 
just where we would enter the city, we plunged into a river ( The 
Los Angeles), but did not get so much as a dash of spray. The 
river is dry. 

It was a trip to be remembered. We saw fruits of many 
kinds and in many stages of its growth. We saw walnuts 
hanging on the trees and learned that an acre of land adapted 
to their growth, has a value almost equal to the value of a farm 
in Illinois. 

The view from the mountain and from the hillside baffles 
one's power of description. One can see so far and see so much 
and see so many things that the impression is that of looking at 
a grand panorama. The view reaches so far that I almost fancy 
one is imagining the appearance of things that are not there. — 
The mirage of a grand mirage. — 

After several hours of sight-seeing and thrilling spurts of 
speed we came in sight of the city just as the setting sun had 
guilded a bright face on all the larger buildings. The scene was 
entrancing, and I wished all my friends could be there to enjoy 
it with me. 

To add to the charm and almost cause me to forget my 
companion, the bells of many churches were ringing for services 
and I caught myself trying to divine a message those bells might 
be repeating to me. . . . The same feeling came over me when I 
was leaving San Francisco at about the same hour just a week 
before. 

I had been reading the poem "What Say the Bells" and 
when I saw the tops of the higher buildings gilded by the sun 

[29] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

shining through golden clouds and heard the bells ringing, their 
tones refused to resolve themselves into anything but * * Farewell ' ' 
''Farewell." 

I clipped the poem from the paper in which I found it, and 
am sending it to you It is a marked copy. Do not lose it. I 
prize it and wish to keep it for my scrapbook. 

While the subject of poems is open, I thank you for the 
words of your new song, ' ' Good Night. ' ' How I wish you could 
send the music and your voice with it. 

The attorney is usually an adept at catching subjects off 
their guard. . . . While I do not approve of inveigling for any 
purpose since only the good of everybody concerned is aimed at, 

we will allow ''the end to justify the means" You may use 

your discretion, which implies that you will be discreet, in your 
efforts at learning what we wish to know and must know. 

One paragraph in your letter haply gave me a hint or sug- 
gestion of which you had probably not thought. It was in 

the one in which you wrote of Miss Raymond's inquiry regarding 

me and when I would return. You wrote that Mary was 

interested in your reply. Do you know that her interest 

was in the information you would give by your reply 1 Is it 

not possible or probable that she wished to know to what extent 
and for what reasons Miss Raymond wished to know when I 
would return? This thought occurs to me because there was a 
little incident that with other events might have done a part of 
the mischief. Miss Raymond was a party to it. 

I will explain if you find need of more information on this 
point. 

The whole case seems to be shaping toward my conviction 
as the culprit, and I suppose that at last the Pardon Board will 
have to act in my behalf if I am ever to be emancipated. 

[30] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

If you could only find some other suspect — some other man 
in the case — ^whom I could lick or challenge, or who would as an 
alternative make me wish I had never been born, I could see the 
end much nearer. This suspense is harrassing. 

I spent two days at Long Beach and have decided that if I 
at any time must have rest, or if at any time I wish to indulge 
myself with the luxury of ease with rest I shall go to Long 
Beach. 

You will note that many of the towns and cities of Cali- 
fornia have Spanish names. Many are named after saints. 
Los Angeles (The Angels), I suppose implies the home of the 
angels, but I have not found any of them here. 

I do not wish you to infer that the people are not of stand- 
ard morals. They are, — but being of standard morality still 
leaves them a long degree short of being angels. 

Saint Peter would surely frown if he took the trouble of 
taking note of conditions in a sea-port bearing his name. 

Long Beach is appropriately named by a physical condition. 
The beach at this point is straight for a long distance and the 
outward slope is of such low degree that the water recedes a long 
way at low tide. 

This place might appropriately have a saint's name. — It is 
a fact to be noted that Long Beach has become a modem Mecca 
where many people of many creeds are spending the closing 
years of moral and Christian lives in the full enjoyment of rest 
and peace and sunshine. ''Westward the course of empire takes 
its way" cannot be true beyond California. This is the empire 
of fruits and nuts and sunshine and flowers. 

I love California and through fear of becoming too much 
infatuated with this country and climate and lazy life I have 
decided to move on. 

[31] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Your next letter will find me at Phoenix, Arizona. 

I shall follow the left curve as suggested in my last. 

Your admonition as expressed in your little verse is good 
(probabl^O and strong; but until there is some fighting to be 
done I choose to run. 

Express my regards and love to the family at home and 
especially to mother. I should write to her, but, if you tell her 
I am well she will be satisfied. 

! Do not forget to save poem. ''What Say the Bells," and do 
not forget to \^rrite me a nice long letter full of news from home. 

From your cousin John. 

POEM 
WHAT SAY THE BELLS 

How welcome the tones of the evening bell. 

As the red sun sinks in the glowing west; 
How joyful the sounds when they seem to tell, 

Of the evening feast and the hours of rest; 
What are the words that they seem to spell 

As they fall on the air from that distant dome? 
What say the tones of that harmonious bell 

When they seem to say Come Home, Come Home. 

To the plowman all day in his narrow path, 

As furrow by furrow he turns the soil, 
That welcome sound but one meaning hath. 

As it counts out the time to suspend his toil. 
While the shadows lengthen at each counted round 

He turns one ear toward that distant dome, 
In hope of hearing that welcome sound 

Which says to him — Come Home, Come Home. 

[32] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

The gleaners that come from their many ways, 

By sweet-heart or lover perchance may be gleaning; 
They wish not for night but welcome the days : 

To them those tones have another meaning. 
How light seems the burden when love beguiles, 

How short seem the hours when brightened by smiles ; 
Time goes unheeded till the fading light 

And the sounding bell bid them say — Good Night. 

When a ship sails out from a friendly shore 

With its cargo of souls for some distant land, 
Soft prayers are whispered many times o'er 

And many times waves the parting hand. 
As the shore grows dim o'er the cresting wave. 

While the tears still cling to the faces grave, 
The deep sad tones of some chapel bell, 

Seem to speak o 'er the waves — Farewell, Farewell. 

To Miss Nell Hales, Pontiac, 111. 



Pontiac, Illinois. 
My Dear Cousin : — 

If you do not shut off your glowing description of what you 
do and what you see and what you hear in that wonderful 
country, where the setting sun seems to gild everything in gold, 
you will have me starting out to find you or to lose myself. I 
think I could almost enjoy being lost in such a country as you 
describe. 

I begin to suspect that your opportunity and surroundings 
are having a very promising effect on you, and that if there is 

[33] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

anybody at this end of the line interested in your case it is about 
time that some assistance shall come to me, or there may be an- 
other case of a lost John somewhere beyond the Rockies. 

I herewith make a demand on you for a part of my attorney 
fee, fearing that if the case should go adversely I may lose all. 

Did you purposely avoid, or neglect to write that your com- 
panion in your long ride was a Mr., a Mrs. or a Miss? 

In fancy I have drawn a picture of the city as it appeared 
when you were returning to it. I hope I shall see Los Angeles 
some day and feel that I shall not be disappointed. 

Your letter has given me so much subject matter about 
which to write that I have a real task before me if I answer your 
letter fully and then give you an accounting of my progress here. 

I shall not fail to save your poem, ''What Say the Bells?" 
and in order to have it for myself I have printed it on the back 
of your photograph. — I would not accept a fancy price for 
either. 

One can easily realize how the circumstance of your reading 
the poem and then hearing the bells would impress you. 

Turning now to home events I take up your hint about the 
Miss Raymond incident. — It gave me a real start in the right 
direction I think, since from it I have gained a real point by 
close observation — I now recollect that as I replied to Miss 
Raymond's question Mary seemed to be watching her more 
closly than she watched me. And, since your letter came, I saw 
Mary refuse to play Whist at a table at which Miss Raymond was 
sitting, giving as her excuse, that she would not remain long 
enough to play a rubber. 

On another occasion, when a Saturday picnic had been pro- 
posed and names of a desirable party were being mentioned. Miss 
Arnold suggested that Miss Raymond should be invited because 

[34] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Saturday is the only day in the week that she can be absent from 
the institute, Mary expressed her disapproval by saying that Miss 
Raymond is not well enough known to be entitled to recognition 
as a member of our social family. 

My next task will be to learn what all this signifies and what 
has led up to it Look for results in next letter. 

Last Friday was the golden anniversary of the wedding of 
Mr. and Mrs. Pearson and a number of the close friends dropped 
in and gave them a surprise. 

Your mother was present and I enjoyed her appreciation 
of the event. She expressed a pretty sentiment when the Rev. 
Mr. Adamson presented to Mr. Pearson a cane bearing his initials 
in gold, and to Mrs. Adamson a handsome cup bearing her initials 
in gold. . . . Your mother clasped her hands and exclaimed ' ' Oh, 
How beautiful, how beautiful ! They are given the emblems of 
assistance and communion! The emblems of walking and sup- 
ping together. . . . What a delightful journey and what delightful 
communion when two such congenial souls are allowed to walk 
and sup together through fifty short years ! ' ' 

The Rev. Adamson then read a poem which he had com- 
posed for the occasion. . . . He gave it the title, "Fifty Golden 
Years." Several copies were requested and Mr. Adamson 's son 
who works on the Home News, struck off a number of copies. 

I am evening scores with you by sending you my copy which 
you must not lose and which you must send or bring to me. 

FIFTY GOLDEN YEAES 

Methinks, as I look down the valley of time, 

And count its milestones one by one, 
Its distant spires tokening hope sublime, 

Of rest and peace when the journey is done, 

[35] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I can see the millions that are passing along 

That are treading this way to their goal, 
And, the voices that mingle in laughter and song 

Resound in echoes that awaken the soul. 

There are shadow and sunshine, waving meadow and mound, 

And cascades, and pools where bright images play, 
Sunny slope, walled in dell where the echoes resound. 

And rugged mountains that border the way. 
The songs of the birds, the hum of the bees, 

And the brook as it babbles along. 
The whirr of the breeze as it moves in the trees, 

Prove that God was the author of song. 

Some have strayed from the path their fathers trod 

To seek out a way of their own 
And are lost to view, and only God 

Can reveal their fate if made known 
Some rush along at a maddening pace. 

Some meander without guide or aim. 
Some trample on others in their race 

For the prize of worldly fame. 

Some rest or sleep while the sun is high 

And complain when nightshades come. 
And the end of their journey should be nigh 

Of being so far from home. 
Some travel in pairs, some wander alone. 

Some move in the thick of the throng, 
But all stop to count each numbered stone. 

As the great procession moves on. 

[36] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Some pluck the flowers and pronounce them fair, 

Enjoying their fragrance and hue, 
Remembering the hand that put them there 

To brighten the journey through. 
But what is this journey, and what its end ? 

And what is this span called Time? 
Whence did it start, whither its trend? 

Who answers all this is divine. 

And I ponder long in earnest thought, 

As the motly throng moves by; 
Each without choice into life is brought. 

Each without choice must die: 
It is thus ordained, the decree is cast. 

That be we weak or be we brave. 
Our power to act can only last 

From the cradle to the portals of the grave. 

You will remember that Mr. Pearson led the choir in our 
church during many years, and that he still has a wonderful 
voice and is considered one of our best singers. 

After the presentation, and after the reading of the poem 
by Mr. Adamson, Mr. Pearson sprung a great surprise. 

Mrs Pearson was sitting with her back toward the piano, 
and just far enough out to allow him to step in behind her, and 
while in that position, and facing all the guests, he affectionately 
placed one hand on her head, and with the other hand beckoned 
his married daughter, Mrs. Jones, and pointed toward the piano- 
stool. When Mrs. Jones was seated he stooped and whispered 
in her ear, and she immediately began to play the dear, sweet 
old tune, everybody's favorite, ^'Darling I Am Growing Old," 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

preparing us to expect the dear old song ; but, instead he sang the 
beautiful words that follow. 

The surprise was complete, and Mrs. Pearson could only 
express her feelings through her tears. 

He explained that the approaching occasion and date had 
filled his mind with sad sweet thoughts, and that while at his 
work he had composed the words and rehearsed them until he 
knew he could sing them, and as he expected his daughter to be 
there on that occasion to play for him, he had prepared the 
surprise for his family not knowing that he, too, would have such 
a touching, joyful surprise. 

The occasion suggested and acclaimed the title to the song, 
but, Mr. Adamson requested that as a special favor, he be allowed 
to enjoy the honor of supplying two words It w'as granted, and 
he wrote in the words ''Life Beautiful". 

THE GOLDEN WEDDING 
LIFE BEAUTIFUL 

Fifty years ago to-day, Maud, 

You became a happy bride. 
When we pledged that thru life's pathway, 

We would journey side by side 
Then your eyes like purest priceless jewels, 

Rivalled any royal gem, 
And your shining, golden tresses. 

Rivalled royal diadem. 

CHORUS 

Fifty years ago to-night, Maud, 
You were fairest at the ball; 

[38] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Fifty years of love and sunshine, 
You're still fairest of them all; 

Fifty years that have not dimmed the skies, 
Have not dimmed your loving eyes : 

Fifty years could not seem long. 
With your presence and your song. 

Silver mingled with the gold, 

Does not make your face seem old ; 
And your voice with tender trill. 

Is the sweetest music still. 
One, only, thought could vex my heart. 

'Tis the fear that we must part. 
Till life's full measure has been shared 

Heaven grant that both be spared. 

Good by, Los Angeles, I must next meet you in Phoenix, 
Arizona. All right. I'll be there soon. 

If you do not find Phoenix prettier than my impression of 
the place I think you will make a short stay. 

I wish you to write me one letter from Arizona at least, and 
if you can warm my fancy toward that state as you did warm 
it toward California, I think I shall be ready to start out to follow 
your course. 

One never can know things definitely ; but I do not think I 
shall have your reasons for traveling, though stranger things 
have happened. 

I am right here so near to a subject that I have been hiding 
from you, that I think it a good chance to give you a little hint 
that I have about decided to assume the relationship with your 

[39] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

chum Joe that will raise the question of my right of having 
any secrets that I do not share with him. 

If I do assume that relationship, I think I could not make 
him any wiser by anything I could tell him about your case. 

His interest in you and in me would make him a good assist- 
ant. Miss Raymond and all the other Misses would have a 
straight path to walk when I have aifairs of my own. 

Now keep all this under your hat and be careful where you 
hang your hat. 

If the hinted event transpires, somebody will have to add 
another verse to ' ' What Say the Bells ' ' ? 

May the silver tones speak only joy will be my prayer, and 
I know it will be the prayer of my very near and dear cousin. 

All this will be enough for you to think about during your 
busy days while moving to Arizona. 

Your cousin Nell bids you 

A cheering Good Night. 

To Mr. John Allenby, Alexandria Hotel, Los Angeles, Cal. 



Adams Hotel, 
Phoenix, Arizona. 



Dear Nell : — 

Where the mountains seem to have no reason for being, 
Where the eye seems to have no limit to seeing. 
Where the rivers all flow underneath the ground. 

And earth's richest gifts and blessings abound. 

This is Arizona. 

[40] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Oh, you naughty Nell. 

So you are contemplating a scheme to beat me out of my two 
best chums, Eh? 

Well, let me tell you that from this date your fee is entirely 
contingent on your recovering my lost chum. Failing in that, 
you get no fee. So be busy. 

I am guessing that you will see the point in what I lay 
before you. 

If you take Joe away from me, and Joe takes you away 
from me, where will poor John be but without a chum ? 

If the event at which you hint transpires, I promise to bribe, 
tease or provoke the muse into adding a verse to* 'What Say the 
Bells"? 

The anniversary you describe was a pretty event. 

Such recognition of moral and social worth is soul-warming 
in effect and seems to be a meet reward. ... It is a worthy aim 
for all to endeavor to grow into high esteem of one's associates. 

I am sorry to have missed being there. I enjoy such gather- 
ings and think it a real privilege to have the opportunity of 
expressing my high estimate of character and high standard 
of morals. 

Mother has the faculty of appreciating the poetic beauties 
that adorn life and teach us to have a conception of the joys 
and beauties that heaven promises. 

Who better than the Rev. Adamson could find such fitting 
and beautiful words as the words of his poem, ** Fifty Golden 
Years," and use them to present a beautiful theme and an im- 
pressive sermon? 

I have not yet decided what I shall do or how I shall attempt 
to win over your admiration to Arizona as it was won over to 
California. The task may not be so easy, but I shall try. 

[41] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

My real occupation is that of squandering time. For that 
reason there is no purpose in my hurrying from place to place. 
I decided that I would not make the ride to Phoenix in one con- 
tinuous ride and a part of it in the night at that. 

My first stop was at Yuma, a town on the Colorado river. 

It has the reputation of being the hottest place of its lati- 
tude on the western continent. 

There is a place west of Yuma where a part of the ocean has 
been boiled dry by the terrible heat of the locality. If you have 
not read of this circumstance, you are liable to exclaim, ''Oh 
that's a whopper," and think I am joking. 

It is a proved fact that a basin the bottom of which is more 
than three hundred feet below sea level, was once a part of the 
ocean or gulf of California. The Colorado River flowed into this 
part of the sea and carried delta sands farther and farther out 
into it until the sands built up a complete break-water and cut 
off a part of the sea. The river later took a more southerly 
course and the cut-off portion of the sea, being left without a 

water supply, soon dried up by evaporation. This is only 

another way of saying that it was boiled dry by the heat of the 
locality. 

Acting on the theory that punishment should take in all 
forms of torture, early officials of Arizona decided that this hot 
place was not far from another hot place of which we read, and 
to which many of the prisoners would later go, and that for this 
very good reason it was a suitable location for the state prison. 

Yuma was during many years the prison town of Arizona. 

Phoenix, demanding her share of state patronage, has the 
state asylum for the insane. 

I am hoping that all who belong at the institution are inside, 

[42] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

but I have witnessed some performances during the two days 
I have been here that have stirred up my doubts. 

I shall, however, give Phoenix fair judgment and will jSnd 
all the nice things the place has to offer, before I move on. 

Not having heard nor read one poetic thing since I last 
wrote to you I find myself out of time and out of rhyme. This 
is your good chance to best me in the race to find pretty things. 
I shall expect a nice selection in your next letter. 

As a closing I must now turn to events at home where the 
center of interest still lies. 

Every event seems to present some point to your keen obser- 
vation. We are surely on the right course now. Do not allow 
yourself to pick a quarrel with Miss Raymond about a suspected 
offence toward any person. She is an innocent offender, if at all. 

You now have my full consent to the course of asking, 
provoking or demanding of Mary a reason or cause for her 
treating me as she did. 

I suggest that you go to her as an interested friend, which 
you have been, and which you wish to continue to be, and say, 
that in order for you to continue to be her friend you must know 

that she has been just to those who are near and dear to you. 

In your tactful way lead her to know that you wiU be fair and 
unbiased in your decision. I feel confident that this plan will 
cause the light to shine into the dark comer and reveal the error 
or the false report upon which she acted. 

How well do I know the sterling qualities of her refined char- 
acter. If I did not know her so well, I might console myself by 
saying that there are too many like her to worry about the loss 
of one. 

A brass ring may be lost or stolen and the loser suffer no 

[43] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

regret; but one of gold, set with rubies and diamonds is too 
much to be lost, and the loss not be regretted. 

May success reward your efforts which are for the good of 
all. 

My task to-morrow will be to find the nice things of Phoenix, 
and to make my selection of something poetic or beautiful to 
send to you. I will not say that the task is not encouraging, 
because I have already seen and heard interesting things. 

On Sunday I shall find a church and attend services, I shall 
at least hear the bell and hear some singing. 

In fairness to Arizona I must say that I do not wish to leave 
the state with the feeling or impression I heard a woman express. 

Some person had said something about going to church ; 
and she, with an expression of surprise, said ''Why, do they 
have a church in Arizona? I sure enough done had made up 
my mind that the Lord never was out in this country." 

The people down here should be good singers. I think so, 
because, do you know, they have a kind of a horse called a burro 
that sings about the worst song yet heard; the roosters crow all 
night, and the dogs bark day and night. If the people have the 
same amount of vocal energy they should sing some. 

Where I begin to waste good ink, paper and time in writing 
sheer nonsense you will be looking for the closing period, and 
thinking it should be in sight. 

I fancy I am feeling your reproof, so I'll put that period 
right down here after a Cheerful Good Night. 

Your cousin, 

John Allenby. 

To Miss Nell Hales, Pontiac, 111. 

[44] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Pontiac, Illinois, 



My Dear Cousin: — 

You have just given me too much to answer and too much 
to write about. If I fail where you are most interested you must 
not be impatient with me. 

Remember that time is all that you have to consider, while I 
have your affair, and my regular duties, and, last but not least, — 
Joe — . He misses his chum so much that if I did not consider 
him really good company he would be a nuisance to me, and 
would take up more of my time than I can afford to give him. 
I know the poor fellow is lonesome and I am trying to be patient 
and forebearing with him for your — ? sake. 

If you do not do better for Phoenix than you did for Yuma 
the people of Phoenix would do well to censor your correspond- 
ence very strictly. — You would not be a drawing card. 

I am sure you will do better; for I so well know that it is 
your habit to look for the best only. 

My time has been so taken up, since I last wrote you, by that 
chum of yours, that I have a short list of events to describe. 

While I have it in mind I wish to say that I suppose that you 
returned Mary's letters as she commanded you to do, and that 
she returned yours, and that you both tossed them all into the 
fire as the last chapter of a sad story. In connection with this 
thought I have something to relate, that proves to me that she 
encourages a tender sentiment, and which assures me that all will 
end as we hope. 

Mary came to see me a few days ago. It was the first time 
she had paid me a call or visit since you left, and while it was 
probably intended to be a formal social function, it turned out 
to be a really friendly visit. 

[45] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I must confess that I used a little stratagem for a purpose. 
It gave such results that I pardon myself and use your pet phrase 
* * The end justified the means ' ' 

It came about in this manner. One day while reading, 

when I had in my mind the thought about the returned and, 
probably, burned letters I found the touching little poem, 
which I inclose. It brought tears to my eyes, as it would to the 
eyes of all who have had their sympathies touched either by their 
own experience or by the sorrow of others. 

With my scissors I made it one of my prizes. 

When Mary's formality of manner had all vanished and she 
was her natural self again though very quiet, the thought came 
to me that I would see what effect the poem would have on her. 

She had accepted my invitation to remain to lunch, and as 
mother was spending the day with Aunt Sarah, I asked Mary to 

entertain herself while I gave orders for the lunch. Before 

leaving the room I managed to slip the poem, which I had bound 
with ribbon to show that I prized it, between some loose photos 
which lay in a tray on the table and near where she was sitting. 
The photos were a new one of Joe, one of yours and several 
others. 

When I returned to the room she had been crying but did not 
appear to be embarrassed at my seeing her tears; — "Oh, Nell," 
She said, *'I want that poem, it is so touching and so beautiful." 

I told her I could not spare that copy as I had a use for it, 
but gave her my promise that I would typewrite a copy for her. 

Had further opportunity been given me then, it is probable 
that this letter would have called you home, and my task would 
have been ended, but just at that moment lunch was announced, 
and before lunch was finished, Joe (the nuisance?) came and the 
spell was broken. 

[46] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Joe joined us at lunch and at evening Joe and I took Mary 
home. I meant to say that Joe took her home and I went with 
them. It would not have been out of order for Joe to have 
brought me home and Mary come with us but somehow I did not 
remember to ask her. 

When I return her call I shall carry out your suggeestion 
as nearly as circumstances will allow. I am very sorry you have 
not yet explained the incident to which Miss Raymond was a 
party. 

If, as we suspect, some circumstances or report connecting 
your name with that of Miss Raymond, was the cause of trouble, 
and she should so inform me when I go to see her, without your 
explanation I would have no weapon or defense, and would not 

be prepared to explain nor deny what may have been alleged. 

I shall however avoid deep water. 

During Mary's visit I managed to speak of Miss Raymond 
to commend her good taste in dress, and her nice manner, but 
Mary did not give me any encouragement to say more on that 
subject. 

The whole story resolves itself into a plot in which the Three 
Graces pose as three injured innocents.: — 

Miss Raymond is not aware that she is being discussed by 
anybody, and has no reason to suspect that she is, because she has 
given no cause. 

I read a part of one of your California letters to Joe, his 
comment was that he or I or both of us should start out to find 
you and bring you back. He also said that it appeared to him 
that you were being very fascinatingly entertained or were enter- 
taining yourself very contentedly. 

How far he was wrong I shall not attempt to say. I do not 

[47] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

know. But, I do know, that you are as far from home as you 
should be, and probably much farther than you will wish to be 
when you are needed. 

I am still keeping it as my own secret that you are absent 
because you did not know what other course to follow under the 

trying circumstances. Your pride would not allow you to 

demand a hearing, and you did not know that a written request 
for an explanation would be read if sent by a messenger. — I 
know your high estimate of her. It explains to me and would 
to others why you wish to spare her the embarrassment of having 

a broken engagement become the common topic of local talk. 

These are good reasons for your absence, but others do not 
know them. 

Your consideration is admirable, and at the same time is of 
good policy while we have such assurance that all wrongs will be 
made right. 

After all the nice things you have not said of Arizona I am 
curious to know what I shall receive as your next poetical selec- 
tion or effusion. If you must fall back on your own effort, 

perhaps you had better ride that burro-horse when you go out 
hunting for an inspiration. You refer to him as repre- 
senting Arizona. 

How about his song? Does it represent Arizona music ? 

There, I have given you some of your own dope (Excuse the 
slang) ; nonsense for nonsense. 

In conclusion let me suggest that you move faster and that 

you move faster to the left. Some of these days you will be 

trying to make haste up the Mississippi and you may be 
so unreasonable as to complain because the tide and current are 
against you. 

[48] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

This last paragraph expresses a good thought for you to 
keep in mind, so I shall close right here with the usual cheerful 

Good Night, 
Nell. 

BURNED LETTERS IN MEMORY'S URN REMAIN 

It is done: In the fire's fitful flashes 
The last line has withered and curled ; 

In a tiny white heap of dead ashes 
Lie buried the hopes of your world. 

There were mad foolish vows in each letter ; 

It is well they have shriveled and burned ; 
And the ring? Oh. the ring was a fetter, 

It was better removed and returned. 

But. Ah! Is it done? In the embers 

Where letters and tokens were cast, 
Have you burned up the heart that remembers 

And treasures its beautiful past ? 

Do you think in this reckless fashion 

To ruthlessly burn and destroy 
The memory of love's wildest passion 

And dreams that were drunken with joy ? 

Can you burn up the rapture of kisses 
That flashed from the lips to the soul, 

Or the heart that grows sick for lost blisses 
In spite of its power of control ? 

[49] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Have you burned the touch of warm fingers 
That thrilled through each pulse and each vein, 

Or the sound of the voice that still lingers 
And hurts with its haunting refrain ? 

Is it done ? Is the life drama ended, 

You have put all the lights out, and yet. 

Though the curtain rung down has descended 
Can the actors go home and forget? 

Ah! No. They will turn in their sleeping 
With a strange restless pain in their hearts. 

And in sadness and darkness still weeping. 
They will think they are acting their parts. 

To Mr. John Allenby, Ford Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona. 



Ford Hotel, 

Phoenix, Arizona. 
My dear Little Cousin Nell : — 

I am well pleased with the taisk before me this time. Your 
letter was very much enjoyed and appreciated. 

Your progress is more than gratifying. Hope is running 
high and I am beginning to think of Christmas dinner at home 
surrounded by congratulating friends and relatives. 

You have given no hint regarding date when congratulations 

of another kind will be coming to you. You surely will not 

allow a date to be named that will not contemplate my previous 
return. 

[50] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

If a tide of adverse circumstances does not throw its weight 
against me I shall not worry about the current of the Mississippi. 

You will have paid Mary your intended visit ere this letter 
can reach you, therefore I need not tell you of the incident of 
which I gave you a hint. 

Your poem play was questionably fair, and almost dramatic. 
I am not surprised at her tears, even though her sympathies may 
have been all for others and not for herself. 

You have my promise that I shall find the nice things of 
Arizona, but I do not know how well I have succeeded in finding 
them. 

We are now in what are called winter months and instead 
of banks of snow we have banks of snow white chrysanthemums, 
trees of roses, bushes of geraniums, acres of cosmos, and other 
flowers in such profusion, that winter is not used as the name of a 
season. 

Spring is almost as inappropriate as the name of a season. 
Planting time is ever with us. 

It is thought that flowers see so much of one another that 

they get to quarreling among themselves. It is said that a 

fellow who believed he could interpret the language of nature, 
claimed to have heard the dispute presented in the following 
lines. 

A WHITE LILY AND A RED ROSE 

A lily and a rose while disputing one day. 
Found many severe things, indirectly, to say 
Of various neighbors, and even their friends 
Got many a gouge ere the argument ends. 

[51] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

The lil}^ so modest made quiet defense, 
The rose was sarcastic and severely intense 
As with personal pride each endeavored to show, 
Herself the superior among all flowers that grow. 

It was color and caste ancestry and grace, 
Upon which each claimed her right to first place, 
While in much written lore and poet-made fame, 
Each had much to show in support of her claim. 

As to color 'twas plain they could never agree, 
The rose was too gaudy one easily could see. 
For taste with refinement is not lavish with red 
Which the savage admires at all times it is said. 

She could boast of refinement of taste. 

To her nature's colors are only a waste, 

To appear in public like a bright red flame. 

Was too much for her pride and her sense of shame. 

Though her heathen kin of the earlier daj^s 

May have worn more color, may have had cruder ways 

To show the advantage of culture and caste. 

She avoided the modes of the barberous past. 

Oh. You silly thing, said the rose in her wrath. 

How could anyone see such a thing in one's path? 

Without size or shape, without width or length. 

Without color or odor, and without force or strength. 

What right can you claim to be counted in line 

With flowers that are common or with those that are fine? 

[52] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Her own presence is known in the dark of the night, 
Her fragrance reveals her without need of a light, 
And if idlers meander regardless of laws, 
She keeps them in place by the use of her claws. 

As to color, she said, there is little to say. 
Since nature has made it and has shown the way 
To mark fine distinctions that prohibit excess. 
In its general use, or on personal dress. 

But to say that nature 's fine colors are waste, 
And to say their use shows degenerate taste, 
Is begging a point, without effort to show. 
That the lily believes what she claims to know. 

As to caste and lineage there was little to show, 
How far into the past either family could go, 
So they dropped that subject to find time and place 
To have a fair tilt on the subject of grace. 

But who should be arbiter of the points of grace. 
Their neighbors about them each standing in place ? 
But, they could not agree in the question of choice. 
And the question were endless if all had a voice. 

Then, how to proceed was the question in line. 
And, what constitutes grace, the next to define, 
And thus they parleyed through anger and pride. 
Each claiming the points were all on her side. 
But approached no nearer a point of decision, 
Through argument, frowns, or words of derision. 

[53] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

How talons and spears with grace could appear, 
From the lily's viewpoint could not be made clear, 
And if red be added, and green, and brown, 
She thought the result the full garb of a clown. 

''Again you assume that what you do not possess, 
Are essential omissions to show taste in dress." 
Thus spoke the rose with a leer of contempt, 
For such rank assumption, of which she was exempt. 

And she added with ire that the subject was ended. 
Since the lily used methods that could not be defended. 
If the absence of all that pulls down the scale. 
Be the sum of merit, what shall it avail. 
To have the best gifts of form, color and size, 
If none of these gifts are worthy to prize ? 

The lily made answer with much dignity and grace, 
' ' I deplore your anger. It is much out of place. 
For grace is our theme, and you should have shown, 
That you know its charm, and have grace of your own. 

Grace is not size, nor color, nor prescribed form, 

Grace is not power to withstand foes or storm ; 

Grace is refinement of manner and pose, 

Grace is refinement of all that shows 

The effect of culture, hence, I claim you lose 

When your temper is lost and bad manners you use. 

"We are not obliged to believe the account, but the alleged 
origin is unusual if not interesting. 

I was at first surprised by the spirit of contentment mani- 

[54] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

fested by the people, but I have since learned that the luxury of 
ease and sunshine are so satisfying that those who remain long 
enough to outgrow the first agonies of homesickness, soon settle 
into such a state of passivity that no inducement will tempt 
them to leave Arizona, and that a large percentage of those who 
do leave for one reason or another, soon return rejoicing. 

Perhaps I should take note of my own condition relative 
to this usual change in people who come here. 

Phoenix is a small, young city, but she offers more good 
wholesome entertainment than many larger cities I enjoyed a 
real treat, last night, in attending a home-talent demonstration. 
The entire program was offered by students of the schools and 
music classes and their instructors. 

The entertainment gave me an excellent opportunity to 
judge the ability, sentiment, temperament, and taste of the people 
of the interor south west. 

I especially enjoyed the new song ''Arizona" composed by 
a pioneer resident of the state, and offered to the public for the 
first time on this occasion. The applause that followed gave 
evidence of appreciation, and the fact that as the audience 
caught the air, many good singers joined heartily in the chorus, 
gave proof that the song made a great hit. 

The words are : — 

ARIZONA 

Who loves the mountains where the eagle screams, 
Who loves the valleys with life-giving streams, 
WTio loves the deserts or the grassy plains, 
Or loves the deep-tilled fields with golden grains. 
May build a home of modest mode, or grand, 
In this our chosen state, our chosen land. 

[55] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

CHORUS 

Then hoist her banners high, 

And sing a glad acclaim, 
There is no clearer sky, 

There is no dearer name ; 
The sun that shines upon every land, 

On valley, plain, and on mountain grand, 
Should save all his brightest 

Rays for thee— ARIZONA; 

Who loves the blessings that the sunshine brings. 
Who loves the melodies the song-bird sings. 
Who loves the shadow of the lofty pines. 
And loves the fragrance of the flowering vines, 
May build a home of modest mode or grand, 
In this our chosen state, our chosen land; 

CHORUS 

Who seeks the wealth the ancient mountains hold, 
Who seek a shelter from the northern cold, 
Who seeks a freedom from the strife of creeds. 
And longs to live where merit measures deeds. 
May build a home of modest mode, or grand, 
In this our chosen state, our chosen land. 

CHORUS 

Who seeks the truth of every day and age. 
Who seeks the wisdom of the saint and sage, 
Who seeks the honor of a righteous strife, 

[56] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

And seeks the glory of a wellspent life, 
May build a house on rock, a mansion grand, 
A resting-place in Heaven 's border land. 

CHORUS 

The entertainment was a success from every point of view 
and I enjoyed every item of the long program. I found myself 
influenced and carried by the enthusiasm of an appreciative 
gathering of people who had not been oversated by too much 
public effort. 

The sheer luxury of being in this delightful climate is more 
than the advantage of all that wealth can buy in many other 
places, and I am beginning to understand why people are sat- 
isfied and contented. 

I do not know how fast or how far I shall go when I start 
eastward, but sometime within the next ten days I shall probably 
reach New Orleans, to which place you will send your next 
letter in care of The St. Charles Hotel. 

From New Orleans the line of least resistance would bring 
me up the Mississippi, and I am persuaded to come that way if 
your next letter is as encouraging as your last. 

Do not impose too much of a task on yourself in trying to 

find some gem of poetry to send in each letter. 1 appreciate 

them but I know how hard they are to find, and that much de- 
pends on one 's mood at the time of selecting. 

You have been very fortunate so far by having some event 

place something in your hands. How I shall prize them 

after I return and your letters and poetry will make interesting 
reading for Mary when in the accounting of all the valuable aid 
I have had in trying to discover and right all wrongs, I allow her 
to read them., 

[57] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I am sure the fire shall never curl one precious leaf of them. 

In the event that the happy event for which we hope shall 
come, I think the collection on both sides should be united in 

sequence for later perusal. Perhaps, when I shall be older 

and less sentimental, the correspondencee would not be inter- 
esting, but at the present moment it is the absorbing theme. 

This is a poor attempt at answering your nice letter. 
Length is its whole boast. I am driven to the admission that I 
am over-matched and out-classed in a contest with you. 

My effort is at least worthy and I am sure you will so accept 
it from your cousin, 

John. 



To Miss Nell Hales, Pontiac, 111. 

Pontiac, Illinois. 



My Dear Cousin John : — 

Your effort is indeed worthy, and its production is appreci- 
ated more than you probably know or think. 

You flatter me and I am beginning to feel the importance of 
my position and undertaking, and since you have chosen me as 
your advocate and ambassador, I am really in earnest in all that 
I do. It is a happy mission when one's aims of attainment are 
for something of such unusual quality that the more participants 
there are the greater the portion to each. — Happiness and peace 
are in this class, 

I have the startling announcement to make that Mary has 
gone to Chicago, and did not announce the date of her departure 
nor the date when she will return. 

[58] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I went to her home to return or repay her call and was 
informed by her mother that Mary had gone to visit and assist 
an aunt who is quite ill. 

The date of her return will be governed by the duration of 
the aunt's illness. 

Your advocate was not quilty of using any lawyer's tactics 
or ethics in the way of trying to get an expression relative to 
Mary's broken engagement, from the mother. 

As I expected, I found the poem I had typed for Mary, neatly 
bound with a delicately tinted ribbon, and with it I found 
similarly bound this little poem: — 

THE LETTERS AND TOKENS THAT WERE NOT BURNED 

I have read those letters so many times through, 
I know that love wrote them, I believe the vows true; 
I smiled at their contents ; they were folded with pride. 
And I prized them with love's many tokens beside: 
Could such fervent words in jest have been spoken? 
Could such sacred vows by their maker be broken? 
Then words are useeless, meaningless things 
That make jest of truth and turn joy to stings. 

I have looked at the ring and pondered it much, 

And felt joy and pride in its comforting touch j 

The ring is an emblem without length or end, 

It tokens the vows of lover and friend. 

Do you tell me the hand that placed it there, 

Was not guided by love and directed by prayer, 
Then words are useless, meaningless things 
That makes jest of truth and turn praise to stings. 

[59] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

And I counted the kisses, till the count was lost, 
And hoarded my keep-sakes, not counting their cost ; 
Each little memento had some message to tell, 
When, and where it was given, remembered so well ; 
Do the language of tokens, and the thrills of kisses 
But give one false hopes of more lasting blisses ? 
Then words are useless, meaningless things 
That makes jest of truth and turn joy to stings. 

I have studied the picture till the lips seemed to move, 
To speak words of love and all doubts reprove, 
Those eyes that have followed, my own eyes to meet 
Had no hidden glances, nor wavering deceit ; 
Do those lights that beam out from the inmost soul 
Have shadowy depths under secret control ? 
Then light is a wicked, deceptive glare 
That makes jest of truth and a mockery of prayer. 

Caresses and kisses to memory are given, 

Their sweetness all lost if love's ties e'er be riven 

And the rapture that stole from caressing fingers, 

Gave a thrill to the heart of a joy that lingers ; 

I know only love such thrills can impart ; 

I know only love could have reached my heart. 

Else words and emotions are meaningless things 
That make jest of truth and turn joy to stings. 

Must love to be true bum a lasting scar. 
That those who have loved may be counted afar? 
Must those who have loved but have loved in vain. 
Refrain from loving, nor be loved again? 

[60] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Then what a sad world with its errors and losses, 
Oh! What a sad world with its pitfalls and crosses, 
If vows and promises are meaningless things 
That make jest of truth and turn joy to stings. 

The heritage of love to all has been given, 

'Tis the greatest of all the rich gifts of heaven, 

We must hope through all doubts and have faith through all fears 

Have patience with anger and sympathy with tears, 

And know that though error and doubts may assail 

At last must faith, hope, and love prevail. 

I asked permission of the mother to write the words with 
pen and ink and typed two copies after I came home. 

I like the well rounded out theme that breathes such an 
inspiration of hope of the right ending of nearly all disappoint- 
ing conditions in life. I have no patience with, nor apology 

for, fickle love, but I do agree with that fellow who said, — 

* ' To have loved unwisely or to have loved in vain, 
Gives one the better right to love again. ' ' 

If to this sentiment we join the unwavering trust so nicely 
expressed in the poem, we have a kind of love that is not prone 
to fickleness, 

Again it has happened that the luck of having something 
put into my hands has saved me the task of hunting something 

to send for your scrap-book. — At the same time I have not 

failed to note that my faculty of observing is being cultivated, 
and I realize to a greater extent, how many of the best things we 
might enjoy are allowed to pass unobserved. 

Your suggestion to save all our letters interests me. It is 
really a novel, and if all turns out well and Mary learns how 

[6i] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

eloquently she has been defended and abused she will be frenzied 
to read them. But, just think of the poor girl trying to spell out 
all my bad writing. I am afraid she will wear the letters out 
so there would be little left for the fire to burn. 

While I have not seen Mary very frequently during the re- 
cent months her absence causes it to look deserted toward the 
north. Your absence causes the south to seem deserted. And, 
what do you think? Even Joe has been absent a whole month. 
No. I meant to say he has been absent a whole week, and his 
absence makes the east look like nothing. If you wish to make 

a good guess, just guess that Nell Hales is lonesome. Miss 

Raymond is the only one of our story-characters remaining in 
place, but since it is late I shall leave you to guess the nice things 
I would say of her if I said anything. She is really so gifted and 

beautiful that she could be a dangerous rival. I am glad that 

Joe does not seem to like and admire her as much as I do. 

Arizona did not fare so badly under your description after 

all. I am sure your report will not be suppressed. One 

must suspect that infatuation or adhesion is spreading over you 
very rapidly. 

It will probably be a good thing for you to keep moving 
and turning more toward the left. 

New Orleans and the Mississippi will surely give you an 
inspiration. I have a right to expect a nice letter from that 
place and in order that you will not use too much space in 
answering mine I shall close in eager expectation of yours. 

Your cousin Nell. 

To Mr. John Allenby, St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, Miss. 

[62] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

St. Charles Hotel, 
New Orleans, Miss. 
My Dear Cousin Nell: — 

Outclassed and outdone. Your letter has given me a pleas- 
ing task but of such effort that if I answered it fully and well I 

would be proud of the accomplishment. If I have no space 

left you will be disappointed, I know, but you surely have learned 
by this time not to expect too much of me. 

My trip eastward from Phoenix was without event or 
particular interest. The scenery does not offer much variety 

and in consequence I soon found myself interested in a book. 

Between reading and sleeping time seemed short. 

From a man who sat with me during several hours, I learned 
many interesting facts about the country through which we were 
riding, and of the people and their ways and manners. 

New Orleans would make a good subject for books A 

letter could not make a good head-line. 

As the name implies, the city Avas named after a city in the 
southern part of France, and as might be further supposed, many 
of the people are French or of French descent. 

They are of a fun-making and sport-loving disposition. One 
who can assimilate their manners and outgrow the feeling of 
being and appearing strange can find rich entertainment here. 

"When I come to the task of describing the Mississippi I just 
lay down my pen. 

It has the longest name, is the longest stream, and has more 
tributaries than any other river in the world, yet it does not 

appear to be larger than many other rivers, In this last 

respect a good comparison is that of looking at the ocean, — One 
cannot see far enough to form a correct idea of its size when 
compared with other large rivers. 

[63] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

The little anonymous poem, following, gives a better de- 
scription of the Niagara and Mississippi rivers than I could write 

in a hundred pages. 1 remember just how I felt when I stood 

by The Niagara, and I know how I feel as I stand by the Mis- 
sissippi. Somebody who knows the magic of a few rhymed and 
timed words has expressed my feelings and saved me the task. 

THE GIANT WATERS OP AMERICA 

I stood on the bank of a mighty river, 

And gazed in awe at nature's wonder, 

Into frightful depths that made me shiver. 

Where torrents poured with a voice of thunder, 

I thought of the thousands and millions and millions 

Of acres and miles that had poured o'er the brink, 

Till I reckoned a sum of billions and billions. 

That caused me to pause and easily think 

That all the showers of all the ages. 

Would not fill the gorge where Niagara rages. 

I stood on the bank of a mightier stream, 
And gazed at immensity till I seemed to dream 
That all the ships of recorded ages. 
Enrolled on leaves of unnumbered pages, 
Had been set afloat on this mighty river, 
With their varied flags in the breeze aquiver. 
With their pennants abaft and their pennants before. 
As they plowed in the crest or followed the shore; 
There was no need of strife for position or place 
Since for many times more there was ample space. 

[64] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Whence come these waters? Where do they go? 

Why do not the oceans all overflow? 

By what Infinite power do they come again 

To replenish the streams of mountain and plain? 

Can all the showers and the melted snow, 

Sustain their volume as onward they go ? 

Do the drifting clouds and the drops of rain, 

Bring back to the streams this water again? 

Aye ! Aye ! For drops of water and grains of sand. 

Make all the water and all the land. 

I had just a little of your luck in finding this little poem, 
which is so suited to my use. 

While writing about poems I wish to ask or know the 
origin of the beautiful poem you sent me in your last. 

It is truly an inspiration to me. Many of the lines express 
thoughts we do not often hear uttered. The last verse is es- 
pecially expressive of a beautiful thought and is a sermon in 
itself. I like the kind of love described in every line of the 
poem. It is so unquestioning and unwavering. 

My own thoughts lead me on until I begin to speculate 
and wonder what a person enjoying that kind of love and con- 
fidence would do or say if she were asked to give up the 
picture and the ring, and all tokens and letters and renounce 
all ties and claims. 

I would not have such a verse added to the beautiful poem, 
but I would like to know how the same writer would express 
the thought. 

It would interest me to know the thoughts that passed 
through Mary's mind when she read the two poems which she 
has placed in such close association. 

[65] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

The one poem describes a love that could not forget, and 
could not be denied, and a wound that would not heal. 

The other describes a love that has no thought of denial, 
nor of conditions that will not reconcile. 

I feel assured that when you see Mary, as I know you will 
soon after her return, and ask a plain declaration from her, that 
you will write me a letter that will call me home to give an 
explanation and receive a greeting that will leave everybody 
but a discrete few, unwise to what has happened. 

I get much of this assurance from your last letter and 
from Mary's evident appreciation of the poem. 

I am convinced that error, doubt, fear, and anger were 
the mischief makers, and that so soon as their damage is effaced 
my patience shall be rewarded, and I shall long enjoy a rich 
vindication of the course I have followed. 

Do not forget to assure the family at home, and my mother 
especially, that I am well and that I am looking homeward. 

At no other time in my life did I ever so fully experience 
and appreciated the lasting effect of a mother's character, 
teaching and example, as I have during this trip. 

Her life, example and teaching have built up in my mind 
such a high estimate of the good woman that I feel that woman 
is exalted to the highest station of earthly existence. 

I shall remain at my present address, or return to it for 
your next letter, which must bring me good news. 

Hoping that the vacant spaces in your horizon have been 
refilled by this time, and that Little Nell is not lonesome to- 
night, and will not be lonesome again till I see her, your 
cousin John is happy and cheerful when he says — 

Good Night. 
To Miss Nell Hales, Pontiac, 111. 

[66] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Pontiac, Illinois. 
My Dear Cousin : — 

Oh, Cousin John, I am so happy to-night. Joe is home, 
Mary is home, you are coming home, we'll all be home, and 
home will be what it used to be. 

I know that all is well and will end well because there 
is no culprit in the case. 

It is up to you to explain away some circumstantial evi- 
dence, which I know you can do, and get a clear dismissal of 
your case. 

As you requested, I went at once to Mary when I learned 
she had returned, and stated the purpose of my visit very 
plainly. 

I told her our friendship had been of too long standing 
to come to an end without sufficient cause, and that if there 
was a cause it must be made known. 

I told her further that if she had reasons in the readings 
of her own heart to do as she had done, I could love her all 
the more, but that if through error or misunderstanding or 
false report, she was accusing you of something of which you 
should not be accused, she could not claim my friendship. 

I tried to assure her that through my intimate knowledge 
of you and your affairs, and through the knowledge of your 
chum Joe, I was in a position to know that there was no offense 
of which you should be accused. 

I told her that even facts susceptible of easy proof had 
no wrong import to me until your lips explained them. 

To this point, she had not uttered one word or sound of 
remonstrance or encouragement, but slowly came toward me. 

My own emotion so nearly overcame me that I djd not try 

[67] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

to look at her while speaking, but when I had finished I raised 
my face and four eyes brimming full of tears met. 

It was not a moment for words, and so long as I live I 
shall never forget the thrill of joy that I felt when she threw 
both arms about me, and rested her forehead on my shoulder. 

During minutes all I could hear or feel was her stifled sob 
and quivering throb, while hot tears fell upon my hand that 
lay upon her arm. 

When she could speak she said *'0h, Nell, You dear little 
angel, I know Heaven sent you to me. I was wrong, I know 
I was wrong, and I am so glad to know it was I who was 
wrong." 

There was no need of further explanation. I told her I 
would leave you to make your own defense, but she said she 
could not keep the annoying thoughts to herself any longer, 
and that while she did not wish anyone but you and myself 
to know them, she wished us to know them at once. 

She then sat down beside me and told me how Miss Ray- 
mond's name just seemed to be in the air, and that purposely 
or incidentally your name and Miss Raymond's were coupled 
so many times that she fancied the whole world was gloating 
on her mortification. 

Even Willie, her little brother, found delight in teasing 
her and telling her that Miss Raymond had stolen her beau. 
They told me John was bringing her to the Institute, and 
coming for her at night. And Willie said that one day at noon 
he drove up and asked if Miss Raymond had come, and when 
told that she had not come he gave one of the girls a large 
sealed letter, to be given to her. 

*^ There now," she said, **I have told you all. I was angry 

[68] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

and jealous and excited and did not know just what I did. I do 
not know how much was said or what was told or what reasons 
there were for telling anything. I am now the defendant and 
plead guilty and ask pardon or a suspended sentence. Let me 
go to the judge or bring him to me. ' ' 

How well I know there is nothing to explain on your part, 
but I shall be curious to know just what circumstances were 
woven into a chain. 

Mary's repentance has shown good fruits already. On the 
Saturday next following her confession, she went in her auto 
and brought Miss Raymond home with her for the day, and 
took her back in the evening. 

Mary and I now stand as rivals for first place as Miss 
Raymond's chum. 

For a time at least I shall not be interested in New Orleans 
nor in the people of New Orleans, nor in anything between 
here and there. 

The poem Giant Waters of America, has not had much 
attention yet. Later when I have time to read and think I 
shall read it carefully and file it where it belongs in our cor- 
respondence. 

There is no poetry this time. I have been in such a state 
of excitement that a book or paper would have fared badly 
in my hands. 

Now take note and heed that Nell Hales has taken things 
into her hands for just one day and evening, and that you, 
Mr. John Allenby, are commanded to come into Bloomington, 
111., on Thursday Nov. 27th. at 9 a. m. It will not matter from 
what place you come or what course you travel to get there, 
but do not fail to get off that train. 

[69] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Write by return mail and acknowledge receipt of this 
summons. 

Nell Hales. 
To Mr. John AUenby, St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, Miss. 



St. Charles Hotel, 

New Orleans, Miss. 
Hon. Nell Hales, Pontiac, 111. : — 

In acknowledgement of receipt of your summons I promise 
that nothing short of a total suspension of the powers of loco- 
motion shall prevent my appearance at the time and place 
named. 

I would ask some questions if a person of less consequence 
were in control. 

The plan as suggested does not imply haste. I could arrive 
at Pontiac by train earlier than an auto could arrive from 
Bloomington. 

You have left me to speculate regarding your plans, but 
I am certain I shall not be disappointed. 

I am of a truth in a happy frame of mind, but by no 
means tranquil. 

I have all the time enjoyed such assurance that all would 
end as we knew it must, that delay has been my worst annoy- 
ance. 

It is not often that a real dynamic charge puts matters 
in order as yours did. It is well you did not wait longer. 

I wish Mary to know the explanation of those declara- 
tions that most annoyed her, before we meet, in order that 
there may be no embarrassment and reservation on either 

[70] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

side ; and, as our meeting will probably occur when others are 
present, I must make it a part of your service to offer my 
explanations. 

As sacred as truth should be, it is sometimes used as a 
mischief maker. 

It is accidentally true, that I did offer Miss Raymond a 
ride from the mill-crossing to the Institute. She accepted. 

It is accidentally true that I happened to arrive at the 
Institute just as she reached the gate and that I offered her 
a ride which she accepted as far as the mill-crossing. 

It is true that I did give one of the girls a sealed letter 
containing Miss Raymond's credentials which had been given 
the directors of the Institute for examination, and which I 
was requested to return to her. Supposing that she would be 
at the Institute, and as I would pass it on my way, I adopted 
the plan. 

''MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING" 

No explanation will be made about Willie's part in the 
play, and no punishment shall be inflicted. It requires about 
so much of that sort of temperament to make a real boy. The 
other kinds of boys are not worth mentioning. Some other 
boy — some other girl's brother — may some day even the score 
on him. 

I shall spend the intervening ten days in trying to evolve 
my plans in trying to guess what you have planned for the 
day of the prodigal's return. 

Just now the dearest, sweetest theme is the one that John 
Howard Payne expressed in immortal song, — Home Sweet 
Home, and thoughts not associated with home do not interest 
me. 

[71] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I was in the right mood to enjoy and appreciate the 
selected poem which I enclose as the last chapter of our cor- 
respondence, which has been a source of unmeasured profit 
and pleasure to me. I feel too that it has been the means of 
my recovering a treasure, which, if lost would have been an 
irreparable loss. 

I do not know when my thanks to you for what you have 
done, can begin or end, but I do know that I do hope you 
will never need the price I would be willing to paj^ if you 
needed it. 

My fervent wish is that you shall ever be above the need 
of my poor assistance. 

The Sweet Old Song That Is Ever New. 
HOME SWEET HOME 

As I sit by the cheering grate at night, 

And gaze at the fitful flame, 

I can see a picture in brilliant light, 

A picture that needs no name; 

I can see a mother with silvered hair, 

And a book with letters of gold, 

A brow that is noble, and wondrous fair; 

'Tis a picture that never grows old. 

In an easy chair by the chimney side 

Sits a form to the household dear, 

'Tis of father, the guide, the example and pride, 

The protection and counsel through fear, 

Whose strongest defense of his well-watched fold. 

Is honor that none can assail; 

Whose wealth is much more than silver and gold. 

And from sources that never fail. 

[72j 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

I can see o'er the mantel a snow-white face. 

With circles and figures around, 

With lines that divide the circular space, 

And I fancy I hear the sound 

Of the tcok-tick-tock, that day and night, 

As a bright disc swings to and fro, 

Counts out the seconds in rapid flight 

To show where the minutes go. 

And that smiling group, with their harp and lute, 
I can see through the fire's mellow glow. 
Till I fancy their lips are no longer mute. 
That they sing the songs that I know; 
By uttered words is the silence broken. 
But those words from my own lips come; 
I awake from my dream when those words are spoken. 
Those sacred words are Home, Sweet, Home. 
To Miss Nell Hale, Pontiac, 111. 



PONTIAC HOME NEWS 
November 28. 
Mr. James Adamson, who is regularly associated with the 
Home News staif, negotiated a holdiay on Nov. 27, by 
promising to supply, in lien of his usual work, an interest- 
ing paragraph for our readers. It is given below. 



A DELIGHTFUL OUTING AND SURPRISE 

On the occasion of the return of em and southern states, the tal- 

our esteemed townsman, Mr. John ented Miss NeU Hales, who always 

Allenby, who has been absent on knows how to do the right thing 

an extended journey through west- at the right time, planned a meet- 

[73] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 



uvj: and a greeting that will long 
be remembered. 

The purpose of Mr. Allenby's 
trip was for vacation, pleasure 
and business. Judging from his 
satisfied look and his improved 
appearance, I conclude that he 
had a full measure of benefit in 
each item. 

When it was known that Mr. 
Allenby would arive in time to 
have his thanksgiving dinner with 
his friends and relatives Miss 
Hales arranged the program for 
the day and evening. 

The first treat on the program 
was an auto ride to Bloomington 
to meet the 9 a. m. train. Miss 
Hales, having planned that Mr. 
Allenby should leave the train at 
that point and come home across 
country in her auto. 

For the outgoing ride the party 
included. Miss Hales, Miss Mary 
Howe, Miss Laura Raymond, 
teacher of classics at the Institute, 
Miss Delia Enfield, Mr. Joe 
Lemont, Mr. Roy Canby and the 
scribe who acted as chauffeur and 
received for his pay many un- 
deserved compliments. 

The train was on time to the 
minute. 

The meeting and greeting was 
a joyful event which I shall not 
attempt to describe. 



For the return trip the party 
was made up of even couples. 

Conversation was difficult on 
account of the hum and cluck of 
the auto, but the jubilant spirits 
of the party broke out in sponta- 
neous song. 

People met on the road might 
suppose the party to be a troup 
of jubilee singers who were re- 
hearsing their whole list of songs. 

Arriving at Pontiac, Mr. Allen- 
by's mother was added to the auto 
party which went to the home of 
Miss Hales where dinner was 
ready to be served, and where 
other guests were assembled. 

Did we have dinner? Well, I 
Wonder. 

About all the scribe can remem- 
ber is that we all ate a long time 
and then we ate some more, and 
that when he quit eating he was 
so nearly stupefied that he forgot 
what he had eaten. 

After dinner, conversation was 
general for a time, but it was soon 
noted that the sisters Mrs. Hales 
and Mrs. Allenby had much to 
discuss and manage, and the young 
people soon found their party re- 
solved into even couples. 

Later in the evening when the 
lamps were lighted, songs were 
again proposed and all the party 
joined with such energy that 



[74] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 



Thanksgiving was beautifully ex- 
pressed in spirit and song. 

The scribe, who was trying to 
see and hear and remember every- 
thing, did not fail to observe some 
beautiful rings that suggested a 
party at which white gloves and 
white ties are appropriate. 

He did not ask permission to 
announce this observation and 
hopes he will not be punished for 
expressing in words what the rings 
express mutely. 

It was a day never to be for- 
gotten by any member of the 
party. 

The sun shone kindly, giving a 
perfect day, and thanksgiving was 
expressed in mutual joy, in joyful 
greeting, in the lingering touch of 
love-thrilled hands, in feast, in 
words, in smiles, in tears. 

Every element of joy was ex- 
pressed, in the language of the 
touch, the voice, the eyes and the 
tongue. 

At about breaking-up time a 
proposition was made to allow 



each young man the use of the car 
to the extent of five minutes for 
each mile necessarily driven to 
take his respective companion for 
the day, to her home. 

Joe Lamont tried to name a 
reason to complain of this plan, 
which attitude was clearly under- 
stood by all, and Joe was cried 
down. 

While all the guests were still 
present, a vote of thanks to Miss 
Hales for a most enjoyable day 
was proposed. It carried unani- 
mously, and the ladies thinking 
it did not fully express their grati- 
tude, each gave her a fervent kiss. 

The young men probably wished 
they might be more liberal, but 
did not venture to name any 
regrets. 

Good wishes, hearty congratula- 
tions, and hand-shaking made a 
busy scene as the guests prepared 
to depart with smiling faces and 
happy thoughts that will long be 
remembered. 

John Adamson. 



[75] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

A 

WILLIE and MAY, N MILLIE and RAY 

D 

Two pretty cottages stood side by side, 

With only ten paces to spare; 
Each was the home of a happy bride, 

Who gave it her pride and her care ; 
And sunshine and showers that are free to all. 

Gave such life to the fertile soil. 
That each perfect seed that was caused to fall. 

Gave rich reward for the planter's toil. 

And tender twigs, too slender to stand. 

Were planted in well-marked row. 
By measuring eye and caressing hand, 

Encouraging those scions to grow; 
And coaxing sunshine and refreshing showers. 

Gave a girdle of green for each cluster of flowers, 
While refreshing shade of the spreading trees. 

Was made cool and sweet by the passing breeze. 

And many a song of love and praise 

Of the beautiful world and its happy days, 
Could be heard as the singers came and went, 

With hurrying feet, but with hearts content; 
And, after the hours of the busy day. 

At office or mart had gone their way, 
Male voices swelled the shrill duet. 

To the heavier tones of a full quartet. 

[76] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Their 's a labor of love, that made it like play, 

Through the happy hours of each perfect day; 
And each perfect day with its love and good cheer. 

Was only a part of a perfect year: 
So, is true friendship, such, is happy life, 

When friends can commune without envy or strife, 
And, with such communion in labor and song, 

The days are too short and years are not long. 

While their hearts were still young and the years still new, 

Heaven sent its reward for love proved true. 
For, into those homes came a newfound joy: 

To the one came a girl, to the other a boy; 
But, each new joy brings its portion of care, 

And each home soon found new cares centered there, 
And old songs, whose echoes can never die, 

Were softly sung as a lullaby. 

Who counts the days or tallies the weeks, 

While the roseblush spreads over dimpled cheeks? 
Who stops to count at the end of the year, 

The watchful nights or the hours of fear? 
Who knows how the mite that brings cares and joy. 

Is changed so soon to a priceless boy, 
Or notes how the seasons swing round in a whirl, 

And change a mite to a lisping girl? 

The stick hobby-horse, and the noseless doll, 

The muddy foot-print seen in the hall. 
The wheel-toys and whistles, and tinsels and blocks. 

And hoods and caps and mittens and socks, 

[77] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

All tell why mother caunot spare the time, 

To count the hours nor heed the chime. 
That tells that the rising and setting sun 

Looks down upon work that is never done. 

But to hearts full of love and hands nimble and strong, 

Lovers labor is light through days short or long: 
Who counts the worries, or counts the miles. 

They travel to gather the kisses and smiles? 
Who does not remember the healing grace, 

Of a tender kiss on a tearstained face? 
What father or mother could afford to miss. 

The joy of drying a tear with a Kiss? 

Soon the little mite that was only "it," 

Was a busy girl with a name to fit. 
And the dimpled hands and chubby feet, 

Had found their way to the garden and street. 
And unnumbered times each busy day, 

A mother's voice called for Willie or May, 
For to find the one, was to find the two. 

In play or in trespass, both mothers knew. 

They chased the chickens and disturbed the bees. 
They waded in mud and climbed in the trees, 

And a whole ripe apple, pear, or peach, 
Was not half so good as a half to each. 

Either house was home, they to either could run, 
If they wanted sympathy or a sweetened bun: 

There was just one rule they were taught to keep : — 
''That children and chickens must come home to sleep.'' 

[78] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

They chased the minnows in the shallow streams — 

Till their aching limbs caused them troubled dreams : 

Was either in fault, which the more to blame? 
Neither worse nor better, they were both the same. 

From early dawn to the setting sun, 
In all that they did they thought as one, 

And only a mother can these words define; — 
*'I love this one best because it is mine." 

To what tender age does a child only feel? 

When into its life does thought slyly steal? 
Can we learn about love the date of its birth? 

Is it sent from Heaven? Does it stay upon earth? 
Then why should we wonder or feel surprise, 

At a child's thoughtful moods, or its sage replies, 
Or regret that it loses its infant charms, 

So soon when out of the parents' arms? 

One day when fond parents watched Willie and May, 

And could hear every word that either would say, 
They heard a proposal, in an earnest tone, 

That told them their babies to children had grown. 
And warned them, that only a few short years, 

Would bring them grave hopes and more anxious fears, 
And hasten a day when love for another, 

Leaves divided love for a chastened mother. 

It was May's shrill voice that was heard to say, 
"Let me show you, Willie, what we'll do to-day: 
You bring a piece of the vine in the trees, 
I'll cut from the vine that covers the bees, 

[79] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

And we'll plant the pieces side by side, 

And hold them there with a string tightly tied ; 

We'll make them grow np in just the same way, 
And name one, Willie, and the other, May. 

You'll be the fruit, I'll be the flowers, 

With the same light and shadow thru the happy hours 
We'll be side by side in all kinds of weather, 

We won't have to part, we'll just stay together. 
But where shall we plant them in the brightest light, 

Where the fruit and the flowers will be most in sight? 
With each so willing the other to please, 

They could not decide the question with ease. 

Willie proposed they should ask May's mamma. 
While May was content to ask Willie's papa; 

So, without decision and without dissent, 
Each troubled head to its pillow went, 

But both return with the rising sun, 
To finish the work not yet begun: 

''Now we know" said May, with her eyes agleam, 
''God showed it to me in a beautiful dream." 

"I saw them up there by the side of the wall. 

All safely tied so that neither could fall, 
And clusters of grapes and clusters of flowers. 

Fed the birds and the bees through the sunny hours, 
And sweet happy children came there to play. 

And called it the home of Willie and May: 
So, there we must plant them and I'll help you, 

To watch and tend them till the dream comes true." 

[80] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Dong, Ding, Dong, sang the village school-bell, 

'Twas a cheerful song that they both loved well, 
And the Bye, Bye, kiss at the gate or door, 

Left two mothers lonely till the clock struck four. 
The A.B.C. and the one-two-three-, repeated a hundred times, 
**Love one another as sister and brother," and many olden 
rhymes, 
But filled in the time, with the hour of play, 
Till the roll-call finished the busy day. 

If either was tardy, the other was late. 

For they always planned to meet at the gate ; 
Together they went, together they came, 

If either offended, they were both to blame. 
Resolved that no others their records should pass, 

Ambition held them in the lead of their class. 
Whether first or second, neither seemed to care, 

So long as no others trespassed there. 

'Twas the first of May, the schoolbell was ringing. 

In the blossoming trees happy birds were singing. 
And Willie and May with no time to waste, 

Were gathering their books in unusual haste: 
They met at the gate with their usual "hallo" 

And in the same breath both said ''Lets go," 
They reached their line just in time for their places, 

And found next in line two smiling new faces. 

In life's happiest path there are some aches to soothe, 

''The course of true love never did run smooth," 
A graceful courtsey may be cause of a fear. 
An innocent smile be the cause of a tear, 

[8i] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

And as Willie and May met those faces fair, 

Both felt the weight of a newfound care : 
Both met that moment, a new question to vex. 

Youth's first great problem, the strife of sex. 

When the roll-call was read at the close of the day, 

The new names added were Millie and Ray; 
What was their ages, where was their home. 

Where had they lived, when did they come. 
Had they bought a new home and had come to stay, 

Or had they rented and would soon move away. 
Were they brother and sister, did their parents both live. 

And would they attention and obedience give ? 

They were ''fifteen" and ''sixteen," they lived on the hill, 

In a little brown house just back of the mill. 
They had lost their home in another town. 

When their mill and tenements all had burned down. 
They had bought their new home and had come to live. 

And attention and obedience they promised to give; 
To and from school their shortest course lay. 

Through the streets that were traveled by Willie and May. 

Ray was tall and handsome. With politeness and grace. 

He met every question with an earnest face. 
Millie's frown and smile were as fickle as smoke. 

She could turn from the serious to laugh at a joke ; 
She could turn from her joke with a quickly made frown. 

And feign stern reproof of the pranks of a clown. 
With manners refined and with faces fair. 

They presented themselves an interesting pair. 

[82] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

The school was dismissed and into the street, 

The students all went with hurrying feet. 
Past several blocks there were more than a score, 

Then for several blocks there were only four; 
For two blocks only there was ample plank, 

And they chatted along in friendly rank, 
But the plank diminished and for half a mile, 

They must walk in a single or double file. 

Where man goes out to engage a stern fact. 

Woman parries a conflict by feminene tact: 
When they came to the place where the path was narrow, 

Millie dropped out of line like the flight of a sparrow. 
And taking May's arm like a welltried friend. 

She held her thus to their journey's end. 
You must know that our new friends are sister and brother, 

Each to have sweetheart must choose another. 

When they parted that night at the garden gate. 

Neither dared to speak, neither cared to wait, 
For, with searching look in each other's eyes. 

Both saw the reflection of clouded skies. 
And their faltering lips refused to frame 

Into words, a fear that they could not name. 
Neither willing to suffer, nor give offense. 

Both chose to bear the trying suspense. 

Who would care to hear or read or write 

All the troubled dreams of that first sad night, 

When two who had tasted no bitter in life. 

Saw the first gathering clouds of threatening strife. 

[83] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Each would argue with self and then with the other, 
About this fair sister and unoffending brother; 

No pledge had been given, hence, none had been broken, 
Nor could words of reproach by either be spoken. 

'Twas a welcome dawn that came at last, 

And both were glad when that night had passed. 
Each felt a fear neither dared to name, 

As if it were a secret akin to shame. 
Fear was not fact, hence, no cause to assail 

With no right to accuse, words could not avail; 
Each feared the other, both were silent and coy, 

May went with the girl, Willie went with the boy. 

That fear-devised plan gave its own recompense, 

For ofttimes detention is as good as defense ; 
If May was with Millie, and Willie with Ray, 

Peace was assured for the passing day. 
At first May feared Millie, not to mischief inclined, 

She feared her superior graces refined. 
But she soon learned that Millie would never offend; — 

She was true to herself, she'd be true to her friend. 

And Ray who had grown by the same fireside. 

Had been taught the same lessons of manly pride. 
Had been taught by example, in the world's best school. 

The text and spirit of the golden rule. 
The secret that Willie tried so hard to hide. 

Was revealed so soon to the friend by his side, 
A friend he could trust with his honor and treasure. 

Who gave weight for weight and measure for measure. 

[84] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

He who is honest only under restraint, 

Has no right to enrobe in the garb of a saint; 
He who measures his rights by the length of his chain, 

Would break his fetters to increase his grain; 
But he who loves honor for honor's sake, 

Will not frown at justice nor pledges break : 
Millie and Ray in their early youth, 

Had been taught to love both friendship and truth. 

Our four young friends were in the new school 

Of self respect and the golden rule. 
And respect that teaches respect for others. 

Made these mutual friends like sisters and brothers, 
And their mutual confidence abated the fear 

That was hid as a secret and did not appear. 
Who questions the right of the blushing rose. 

To stand in the soil in which it grows, 
Or who would dishonor or dare to despise 

An innocent love and its sacred ties? 

In the secret councils of the inner heart, 

There are thoughts and wishes one dares not impart, 
And only the promptings of the guided soul, 

Keeps words and acts under safe control: 
By a compromise easy, but with mutual consent. 

With all rights protected and with righteous intent, 
They could banish all fear and all cause of doubt, 

And one move only would have brought it about. 

Who knows by what effort Millie's love was concealed. 
Or by what restraint was Ray's not revealed? 

[85] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Who knows if Willie or May did not wonder, 

If it would not be better with the old tie asunder? 

For, if W^illie took Millie, and Ray took May, 

The angles and tangles would smooth out in a day; 

But who of the four would dare to propose. 
Or even a hint of such thoughts disclose? 

The school-term was ended, and among the trees 
And vines and hedges moved the scented breeze, 
Where Willie and May spent their happiest hours. 

In training their vines and tending their flowers, 
While Millie and Ray at the home and the mill, 

Had their work to do and their places to fill; 
But often at evening, in the twilight gray, 

Four voices mingled in song or in play. 

Fond parents had watched as fond parents do, 

The chapter of trials their dear ones passed through, 
But their willing counsel that had not been sought, 

Was offered only in prayerful thought ; 
But when unfeigned laughter met their anxious ears, 

And when unfeigned smiles told of banished fears, 
They felt such fond love for the girl and the boy, 

That their own hearts were filled with sympathetic joy. 

A loyal association after an awkward beginning, 
Ofttimes wins a prize worth the effort of winning. 

And Millie and Ray won devoted friends. 

Who were loyal and royal to their journey's end. 

While the young people met in frequent reunion, 

[86] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

The parents would meet in friendly communion. 
And around the love that in fear awoke, 
Grew friendly ties that never broke. 

Four seasons of flowers, and four seasons of snow, 

Came and went, as seasons come and go. 
And Willie and Ray, then the village pride. 

Had won college degrees side by side, 
While Millie and May had beguiled the hours. 

In training their minds and vines and flowers. 
The vines that were christened Willie and May, 

Were carefully watched from day to day. 

Just when the home-ties are strongest and sweetest, 

Just when youth's pleasures are gayest and fleetest. 
The stern decree of duty may call. 

And change those ties or sever them all: 
When the flag that is emblem of freedom and right, 

Was threatened with insult by an enemy's might, 
Every loyal son was then ready to go 

To stand by the flag and face the foe: 
There is joy in the tears of a loyal sire. 

When a son proves his zeal and patriotic fire, 
And when Willie and Ray marched in line amid cheers. 

Proud fathers and mothers smiled through their tears. 

Let us pass all the chapters of bloodshed and strife. 
The horrors of battles, and destruction of life. 

And rejoice with Columbia for a victory won. 
And pay rightful honors to each worthy son, 

Remembering the graves of those who were slain, 

[87] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

In a prayer that their sacrifice be not in vain : 
Let us learn how the home-fires were kept brightly burning, 
To welcome our heroes at the hour of returning. 

There's a sadder day than the day of starting, 

There's a sadder chapter than the story of parting: 
After months and years of longing and yearning, 

"What hopes were crushed at the hour of returning: 
The father whose honor had been Willie's pride, 

The mother whose prayers had been Ray's guide. 
In two silent mounds that were well watched and tended, 

Their long prayerful watch and waiting had ended. 

Two homes bereft, one of builder, one of guide, 

Had only sad faces by their quiet fireside, 
But time, the great healer that dries tears and cures pain. 

Brought cheer, consolation, and hope back again. 
And built one home of the two homes bereft. 

And the widow's cottage in silence was left: — 
A silence so impressive, by night and by day. 

That even the birds seemed to stay away. 

Yes, the widow's cottage in silence was left. 

But not of attention and care bereft, 
For willing hands and watchful eyes, 

Were ever on watch as if guarding a prize. 
The voiceless faces still looked down from the Avail, 

The silent clock still hung up in the hall, 
And only closed shutters seemed to mutely say, 

That the cottage was there but home was away. 

[88] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Because mutual sympathy gives the kindest relief, 

To those afflicted in sorrow and grief, 
And, as like affliction is cause of kindred mind. 

It is said, ''A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind." 
So, out of the fragments of two broken homes. 

Through sympathy and love a new home comes. 
And she who was friend became Ray's mother,- 

And he who was friend, became Millie's brother. 

The morning inquiry, the fervent bedtime prayer, 

And nights of earnest longing, and days of anxious care, 
"Were the lives of mourning millions who prayed that war 
would cease, 

And that their absent loved ones might return to homes 
and peace. 
One more season of snow, one more season of flowers. 

One more harvest gathered, then came the happy hours. 
When all the world rejoiced the blessed new^s to spread. 

That Freedom's cause was victor, that tyranny was dead. 

Bells were ringing, while the air was atremble with cheers, 

And wives, mothers, and sweethearts, were in alternate 
smiles and tears 
And our glorified banner that leads in the cause of right. 

Waved high on the breeze like a beacon of blazing light: 
Homes were set in order and feasts were laid in store. 

While eager hands were ready with a welcome at every door. 
It was a time of rejoicing, with everyone eager to learn 

When the home-march would be sounded and our heroes 
would return. 

[89] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Long is the passing day to those who must idly wait, 

An hour like a lingering age to watchers at the gate, 
But to those who hasten their steps from earl}^ dawn till noon, 

The sun-dial casts its shortest shadow long too soon, 
And only the lengthening shadows and waning mellow light. 

Warn them that day is fading into approaching night. 
Millie and May were so busy with so many things to be done. 

That they smiled at the earliest light and frowned at the 
setting sun. 

They were first to inquire for the latest mail, 

And first to know when each transport would sail : 
Their blushes betrayed their expectation. 

When, in autocar, they were first at the station ; 
They were first to feel the approaching train, 

Ere it came to view in the open plain ; 
Only modest restraint withheld their cheers. 

When the shrill whistle greeted expectant ears. 

There are depths of emotion words cannot express. 
There are depths of joy that are almost distress. 
And while May's heart was bounding in response to wild 
cheers, 

Millie buried her face to conceal her tears. 
With no reason to doubt. May knew they were there, 

She followed the line to the most princely air, 
Ajid, with one bound, reached her acme of joy, 

When held in the arms of her soldier boy. 

But where is Millie? Why is she not her? 

It was Ray's voice that spoke in a tremble of fear: 

[90] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

With an arm about each, May led them along, 

To where Millie still stood concealed by the throng: 
The heart that was strongest in most trying fears, 

Had succumbed to a joy that spoke through her tears; 
But, when two strong arms drew her into her place 

In a circle of four in a mutual embrace, 
A happier moment earth never knew, 

Than that moment given to those four lovers true. 

Too much transpired in the following days 

With meetings and greetings and words of praise. 
To be told in our story which comes to an end, 

Wliere lover meets lover and friend meets friend, 
But we know that our readers would long regret 

Not to know how Millie her true lover met, 
And how Ray, so worthy his country's pride, 

Learned to love the girl who became his bride. 

'Tis the same old story so many times told. 

That the ways of telling have all become old. 
How through mutual respect of man for man. 

The courtship of sister or brother began. 
With Ray, who was hero wherever he went, 

'Twas an honor to share lunch or a tent: 
It was Ray's good fortune, his extras to share, 

With a friend who had many like favors to spare. 

When Ray and his friend, whose name was James, 

Explained their ancestry, fortune, birthplace and names, 

They learned that, as neighbors with but one mile between. 
On quite frequent occasions each the other had seen. 

[91] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

While Ray was so proud of his father and mother, 
James was an orphan and without a brother, 

But he had a sister who had been his life's care, 
And with whom it was pleasure every blessing to share. 

Each named his sister as his greatest prize. 
And first among social and family ties. 

Each had his Bible with family-record in place. 

Each carried a picture of a beautiful face, 
Each carried some letters that were many times read. 

And their contents discussed in camp and in bed. 
When a packet arrived and new letters came. 

Whether to Ray or to James it was much the same. 
For, news was news, if it came from home. 

And it mattered little how it happened to come. 

Each read his letters and then passed them over, 

To be read again from cover to cover. 
If they shared in the reading, why not in the writing? 

But who was first brave and did the inviting 
We do not know, but, it came about some way, 

That some letters to Millie were not written by Ray 
And up in the corners there was change of names. 

Because some leters to Edith were not writen by James. 

To the girls had been given such full explanation. 
That they quite understood the unique situation. 

To comply, with request and their own wish to go, 
Millie and May went to see Edith Rowe. 

What surprise they met at a stranger's door. 
When kisses by a girl they had known before : 

[92] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

The day was spent in a most pleasing way, 
By the three who were ever dear friends from that day. 

When heroes as victors return from wars, 

Wearing badges of honor and marked with scars, 
It is fitting time, if one claim with pride. 

The promised hand of a worthy bride. 
When nature is wearing her richest green, 

And flowers in clusters and garlands are seen, 
And song-birds are singing their merriest lays, 

It is fitting time for wedding-days. 

It was May-day and over a path hung a floral arch. 

Under which three bridal couples would march. 
And twelve little girls in snow-white dresses, 

With beaming faces and floating tresses, 
Moved in a circle and completed the role. 

Of fairies dancing around the May-pole, 
While a venerable divine with kindly eyes. 

Stood ready to utter the nuptial ties. 

Benedictions and flowers, and even tears. 

Bespoke invocation of blessings and years; 
The wedding-feast and the sparkling bowl. 

The wordless message from soul to soul, 
The endless ring, love's appropriate token. 

And uttered vows that would ne'er be broken, 
Were memorable events and befitting joys. 

In their last happy day as girls and boys. 

The ties were pronounced and the wedding-march 

Set the place of the guests who repassed through the arch, 

[93] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

And as Millie and James, and Edith and Ray, 
Led the procession that marched away, 

Willie and May stood beneath the vines, 
Where each with the other intertwines. 

And mutually agreed that they always knew 
That Heaven would let May's dream come true. 



1 94 J 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

RESIGNATION 

I strayed in the paths of long ago, 

With measured step, and head bent low, 

To hear the voices that mingled there 

When the heart was young and untouched by care; 

But a passing breeze, as it moved along, 

Instead of bringing me laughter and song. 

Brought a sigh and moan from that quiet glade 

Where the friends I loved are together laid. 

I went o'er the hill to the sunnier side 
Where I strolled at eve with a happy bride. 
I found the same sun with its burning stare. 
And the tree where we carved our names with care 
And dates that tell why my hair is gray; 
How the years in decades have passed away, 
And I wonder not at my pensive mood 
As again I stand where so oft we stood. 

I went to the orchard I planted with care, 
In measured rows both straight and square, 
And memory, a truer companion than sight. 
Brought to my view a vision most bright; 
WTien mingled odors of blossoming trees 
Sent out to the hillside a scented breeze, 
And the air was astir with the voice of spring — 
'Twas heaven on earth, 'twas a beautiful thing; 

'Twas a wonderful sight and I fain would gaze 
On memory's picture of happy days, 

[951 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

But the spell was broke, and I turned again 
To count my units in rows of ten, 
But many were gone like the friends of the past, 
Their bodies and limbs to the fire had been cast, 
And I counted the waste by the vacant spaces 
As we try to number the absent faces. 

Some spreading their limbs as if coveting space, 
Some reached higher up in angular grace. 
Some hung their lean arms as if ready to fall. 
And age and decay had marked them all. 
I turned from this scene with a saddened heart 
To drive back the tears that were ready to start. 
For rust and decay and the blight of age 
Are tarnishing blots on memory 's page. 

I went to the spring where liquid life 
Mingled with sunbeams in flickering strife, 
And my heart almost stopped with a shock of pain 
As I met my changed image reflected again. 
Where was the elfin who mimicked each look, 
"When a youth, I drank in his mystic nook. 
And who this strange warden who meets me now 
With serious gaze and furrowed brow? 

The elfin who mimics each face in the rills, 
And mimics, in echoes, each voice in the hills. 
The fairy who paints the gay tints in the flowers 
And the beautiful rainbow behind the showers. 
The ghosts and phantoms that call up the past 
Do they all grow old and perish at last? 

[96] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Do the mystic things of earth and sky 
Like mortal things grow old and die? 

I went to the church-yard and read on stone 

Where the friends of my youth and their friends had 

gone; 
I stood again on that sacred spot, 
Allotted to me as a family plot, 
Where one lone grave did its confines claim, 
And one lone stone bore an angel's name, 
And the verse I've repeated these many years, 
I cannot read through blinding tears. 

WTiy a family plot with one grave alone? 
Why a family plot with one gray stone? 
'Tis a story too sad to repeat again, 
How the heart was crushed with its burden of pain. 
Why the family plot had one grave alone. 
And the mourner's row was reduced to one. 
But the heart is prone to retell its grief 
As if in the telling it finds relief. 

One son whose hand should have guided the plow. 

In a mariner's grave is sleeping now; 

Another, whose arm should have been my support, 

In a city's great fire had his mission cut short. 

The number of victims shall never be known. 

And the mourners could never reclaim their own. 

The sun that hid in the western sea. 

Left a world full of sorrow and darkness to me. 

[97] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

God gave us an image of my helpmeet and bride 
She fashioned our heaven and fostered our pride 
Till we fancied that Heaven would be a dull place 
Without this one angel of light and grace. 
And we whispered our fear that a call from the skies 
Might take us away from our earthly prize. 
Heaven gave her to us, God had sent her to stay; 
We could strike at the hand that would take her away. 

But the great law of Heaven, the family tree 
That gave me her mother and gave her to me 
Would lengthen the chain and bring to her side 
The man who would woo her and make her his bride. 
So we hushed every plaint and were reconciled 
To find our own joy in the joy of our child 
And we held out our hands to the favored one 
And received at our hearth a welcome son. 

But he gave her his name and his family tree 
Soon threw out a branch bearing names of three, 
And the branch I had fostered with prayer and pride. 
Was but broken twigs that had withered and died. 
The laughter and song that had rung through the hall 
Came in fading echoes at memory's call, 
And the birds that had joined in each cheerful refrain 
Hushed their gladdening song and came not again. 

But my portion of grief had not filled my cup : — 
There were bitter dregs that I yet must sup. 
And as if to teach what the heart can bear, 
I must stand by the grave and see buried there, 

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THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

The wife who had shared every sorrow and grief, 
Who, in every affliction gave potent relief. 
By the touch of whose hand she could make me forget. 
When she said be brave dear one, I am with you yet. 

Ere the emblems of grief had been laid aside, 
WTiile the welling tears refused to be dried, 
A messenger came from my daughter's home. 
Bidding father, in haste to her bedside to come. 
Too late, they said, as I reached the door. 
Our loved one has passed to the other shore. 
She said farewell to each one by her side, 
Then seemed to rest on the ebbing tide. 
But she roused to say '^0 Dear Angel wait. 
Just one more farewell ere you close the gate." 

Do the plans of Heaven sometimes fail upon earth 1 
Do intended blessings give sorrow and dearth? 
Do our untaught souls know so little of good 
That the blessings of Heaven are not understood? 
Must we cry o'er each joy, and find in each tear 
A crystalline jewel, as we journey here? 
Must we learn that love is more than half our pain. 
That the more our affliction the greater our gain ? 

A well kept grave where our darling was laid, 

With its mound neatly trimmed by the sexton's spade 

Is marked with a name that was once my pride, 

When she knelt at the altar a happy bride. 

But my heart rebels at the broken chain. 

And at each broken link that was forged in vain. 

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THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

So I turned to the plot that is all my own, 
Where the sweetness of sadness is mine alone. 

Tho it fell my portion, I should be bereft, 

That my dear ones would leave me, that I should be 

left, 
Still, I cannot complain of an unfair measure 
Of Heaven's blessings or of earthly treasure; 
For two score years, mine the brimming bowl 
That gave richest blesings to cheer the soul. 
Till, to bounty inured, 'tis the sadder to stay. 
When the most prized blessings have been taken away. 

My tears are consoling: they are not of regret; 

My past is all I have of my own; 

I cherish remembrance ; I would not forget 

Those joys that are past and gone. 

How much sweeter the thought of a fruitful past. 

Though I failed to keep and cherish my gain; 

Though those joys were lost, or could not last 

Remembrance is sweet and gives more peace than pain. 

A sweet resignation steals into my heart. 

As I ponder the love of each loved one and friend. 

And know that each one that was called to depart. 

Was true from the first and true to the end. 

Then scoff not my tears, nor deem me weak. 

If my voice sometimes trembles when I try to speak ; 

For though great my pain, and great my loss 

I would follow HIM who bore his own cross. 

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THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 



CONSOLATION THRU RESIGNATION 

Why so sad, my dear on this glorious morn 
When the song-birds rejoice o'er a perfect day? 
Why sit moping here, with a look forlorn, 
When the smiling sunbeams invite you to play? 
Has the world gone wrong? Is its order awry? 
Or, are yon perverse with the things that be? 
Have you cause thus to sit, with a frown and a sigh. 
Like a hampered soul that longs to be free? 

Brother my journey has been dreary and long, 
My load is too heavy, my path rough and steep : 
I can find no time to enjoy play and song. 
While I watch my path and its windings keep. 
Can you tell me why in a world so wide. 
So many afflictions must fall in our way, 
And while new ones come upon every tide 
Though new ones come the old ones stay? 

Tell me why we should prize any earthly thing. 

When all is so fleeting and cannot stay. 

And why praise the flowers and birds of spring. 

When their fragrance and song can last but a day; 

It is love in vain if our love is spurned, 

It is love in vain if it shall not last. 

It is love in vain if it be not returned. 

It is love in vain if all of the past. 

If the lily must die and dead leaves remain. 
And all that we love turn to dross and decay, 

[lOl] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Why tie our hearts to an anchor of pain, 
By loving those things that soon pass away? 
Perhaps I'm perverse with the things that be, 
I am weary and long to be reconciled. 
Pray give me the light that will help me to see 
While I sit by your side and learn as a child. 

My dear, your estimate of life is all wrong; 

The world is so full of beauty and song. 

That through surfeit of blessings you fail to prize 

The richest blessings beneath the skies ; 

And when others rejoice for what you disdain. 

You think you have reason to fret and complain, 

Quite forgetting that Heaven is not debtor to you 

For all that you are, or all you can do. 

Let us walk in the garden and study the flowers. 
And watch the cheerful industrious bee 
As it ceaselessly works without counting the hours 
An example and precept for you and for me. 
Were the flowers created to feed the bee? 
Were the bees put on earth for the flowers? 
Does the bee store its honey for you and for me? 
No, no, the honey it stores is not ours. 

The flowers are a part of Heaven's own plan, 

They were not created for the bee nor for man : 

Their beauty we prize each in different degree, 

For beauty is not ivhat, but, how do we see. 

No more than the flower or the bee is man. 

In his power to change Heaven's well ordered plan 

[102] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

But with reason to guide us to choose the best, 

More than all the other creatures we're divinely blest. 

Would you be as the birds with instinct as guide? 
Would you sacrifice reason man's boasted pride? 
Would you be as the plants that do nothing but grow 
To escape the worries of all that you know? 
Then be cheerful my dear all your journey through ; 
The afflictions that fall are not sent upon you 
Though it be your lot, or perhaps mine to fall 
By the great law of chance that covers us all. 

Do the flowers complain that forever their dress 
Is of unchanged style and of unchanged hue, 
That forever their leaves bear but one impress. 
As the seasons change and bring garments new? 
Does the lily ask for a yellow crown? 
Or the golden buttercup one of blue? 
Or the mottled cosmos a snow-white gown. 
As they gather the glistening drops of dew? 

Would the snow-drops bask in a July sun, 
Or icicles hang in the blossoming trees. 
Or the finny tribes o'er the deserts run. 
Or the yeoman's herds go graze in the seas? 
No, No, For in all of creation's plan 
Fitness and order were first in the scheme: 
Then why should complaining discordant man. 
Seek not to obey the divine regime? 

We must all be resigned to creation's plan, 
Not as if made for the use of man, 

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THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

But as governing man, his unfailing guide 
As it governs the seasons and governs the tide 
And if by its laws the flowers come and go, 
The autumn with fruits, the winter with snow, 
How can we complain of the liberal plan 
That gives many seasons and changes to man. 

What change would you name if you still complain? 

Would you pass with the flowers, would you have them remain? 

In short, would you ask a co-temporal span. 

For all things on earth, with the life of man? 

Then what of the seasons and fruits and seeds 

And what of the briars and nettles and weeds? 

Thus we come to the truth that the ages tell, 

That God, in creation, did all things well. 

And to show that the laws of creation's plan, 

Are inexorable laws that we all must obey, 

The laws were not made for the use of man, 

The laws were ordained before Adam's day; 

As a part of creation, like the birds and the bees. 

Like the lilies and lilacs, like the rocks and the trees 

Man is only a part, though divinely blest 

With more power and glory than all the rest. 

And to further prove to the finite mind. 

That the God who created can well preserve 

Every substance and class, every species and kind. 

So long as their state does His purposes serve 

lie bids you destroy just one grain of gold. 

Or one briny drop from the great surging sea 

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THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Or one ray of sunshine by heat or by cold, 
Or one trembling leaf that hangs on a tree. 

The gold may be changed to a thousand forms, 

The drop may be whipped through a thousand storms 

The sunshine may hide 'neath the somber cloud. 

And the leaves lie in heaps 'neath earth's winter shroud, 

But the gold is gold, for it has no dross. 

And the drop, though in mist, cannot suffer loss; 

From the substance of leaves must nature rebuild 

Many beauties of earth that the sunshine must gild. 

Should a wanton hand your flowers remove 
While their beauty remained to reward your toil. 
It were right to complain, it were just to reprove 
The one whose hand could thus wantonly spoil. 
But leaves have their season to wither and fall 
They wait not the blight of the north wind's breath. 
It is thus they provide a mantle and pall 
For the germ of life thus enwrapped by death. 

Then ask not that things of Divine decree 

Shall ever be changed for you or for me. 

For to change their order for puny man 

Would disturb the world and its beautiful plan. 

Do you not see beauty in this law divine. 

That the life-germ shall sleep in the mantle of death? 

Then why shudder, or think that your life or mine 

Shall be snipped as a flame when we lose our breath? 

Is the lily dead, did I hear you ask? 
Does the lily die may I ask of you? 

[105] 



THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Go give to the seer this onerous task, 

And charge him well that he tell you true. 

And what do you ask when you say *'die," and ''dead, 

And what import strange do these words conceal, 

Do they draw our thoughts to the immutable thread 

That only the will of God can reveal? 

No, No, My dear, the lily's not dead; 

It will come again in the awakening spring; 

Though it rest or sleep in its wintry bed. 

It will come again a living thing. 

And if longer our rest, or longer our sleep 

"Will there be no springtime, no awakening day? 

Will the grave forever closed portals keep? 

Our living souls respond to say, nay. 

Have you failed to note that the densest cloud 

Is made but of vapor light and thin, 

That the thorniest rose that in your garden grows, 

Has the sweetest and richest fragrance within? 

That the longest road must have an end. 

And the highest mountain must have a top. 

That wherever your path or wheresoever it trend 

That, somewhere, there's a place to stop? 

If the birds and the bees, the flowers and the trees 
Have nothing to choose in creation's plan 
Though of higher award than any of these 
No more can we change our temporal span ; 
We may choose to move in the sunbeams bright. 
Or in gloomy shadow complain and repine; 

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THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

We may use our sense to enjoy the light, 
Or all of the blessings of life decline. 

The contagion of cheer is a blessed boon 
The contagion of gloom is a scourging blight, 
The contagion of joy makes a sunny noon, 
The contagion of woe makes a dismal night ; 
Hence we owe to the world and ourselves the while 
All the joy and cheer we can cause or find, 
And the world will repay in frown or smile 
For the world is just and repays in kind. 

Then forget your burden, 'tis a borrowed load, 
And forget your journey and the rugged road. 
For the seasons and cycles that make all things new. 
Bring the world and its blessings an offering to you 
The flower is a promise; Why should it remain, 
When the fruit, its fulfilment is its end and gain? 
In a cradle of beauty is each unit born ; 
The flowers are the garlands, the birth-place adorn. 

The freshness of youth, the matureness of age, 
Are beauties we prize in each changing stage ; 
The procession of things that come to our view. 
Must remove the old to bring in the new. 
And we as units must move on in pace 
For no alternate ever can take our place. 
In the great procession thus moving along. 
Be resigned in knowing you cannot go wrong. 

Were it given to me to change just one law 

I would hold both my hands in trembling awe, 

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THE REWARD OF PATIENT LOVE 

Lest the change I would make to improve the plan 

Might cause countless ills to my fellow man. 

For I challenge man in his bold conceit, 

To devise a world so nearly complete, 

It is not in the power of the finite mind 

To conceive a new blessing for all mankind — 

God's munificent plans have fulfilled the task. 
Of giving more blessings than we know how to ask. 
Hence our greatest need is more wisdom to choose 
The best of the blessings we have to use, 
And wisdom to show us the better way 
To enjoy those blessings from day to day, 
For this dear old world is much as we take it, 
And our sunshine or shadow is much as we make it. 

The sum of our joy in life while here, 

Is in being resigned to our lot and sphere. 

Hence our intricate theme may be named Resignation, 

Though it is not unmixed with sweet Consolation. 

There is so much in knowing from day to day, 

That the order of things does not pass away, 

That our lives may be planned and our prayers so accord. 

That we ask not in vain for Heaven's reward. 



[io8] 



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